Many people are unaware that most menstrual products contain single-use plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. The average person will use 11,000 sanitary products in their lifetime while every single hour in the UK, we are throwing away, on average, 400 thousand tampons and pads. That is 13 London buses worth of disposable tampons and pads being thrown away every hour!
Moreover, 200,000 tonnes of sanitary products are sent to be incinerated every year, and for every 100 metres of shorelines, there are 20 washed up tampons or applicators.
The main problem is that popular period products like pads and tampons are single-use, and most of them contain plastic. Although they may look like they are made from cotton, more often than not, they are made from synthetic fibres like rayon and polyester. Research shows that many of today’s menstrual care products contain a host of chemicals that may cause cancer, disrupt hormones, or cause unnecessary allergic reactions.
And because a lot of people still flush pads and tampons down the toilet, a lot of these products end up in the ocean and cause problems for wildlife and the people too.
If you are keen to swap your tampons for a period cup or other eco-friendly alternatives have a look at my picks below, (links are not affiliate):
Period pants
WUKA period pants replace tampons, pads and menstrual cups. Absorb 4 tampons worth of blood. Machine washable · Moisture-Wicking · High waist · Menstruation proof knickers. Made with eco-friendly fabrics. You can find them at Sainsburys supermarkets or online at: https://wuka.co.uk
Modibodi™ uses high quality, tech-savvy fabrics and the latest in breathable, antimicrobial fibres stain resistant lining for modern periods and leaks.
Find them on www.modibodi.co.uk
Underwear that can be worn during menstruation as a substitute or a supplement to traditional feminine hygiene products. Find them on https://www.shethinx.com
Organic pads & tampons
Bathroom eco marketplace. Reusable sanitary towels are now easy to use and care for, and there is so much choice! If you prefer tampons, why not switch to Organic cotton tampons, or try a menstrual cup or sea sponge tampon instead. Find them on https://www.earthwisegirlsuk.co.uk/
Organic cotton tampons, pads and liners, delivered to your door. 100% organic cotton tampons with a biodegradable cardboard applicator. No rayon, fragrance or chlorine bleach. Find them on https://www.totm.com/
Kind Organic® was founded with the belief that it should be easier for people to put the needs of their body first with a kinder, more natural product. Our range combines certified organic cotton with a Smart-Weave design for effective protection and long-lasting comfort. Find them at Boots, Ocado and https://kindorganic.com/
Menstrual Cups
OrganiCup is the award-winning menstrual cup that replaces pads and tampons. Easier, healthier, greener. You can find them at https://www.organicup.com/
Mooncup is the original, soft, medical-grade silicone menstrual cup designed by women as the convenient, safe alternative to tampons and pads. Find them on https://www.mooncup.co.uk/
Floweret Menstrual Cups are the modern alternative to Menstrual Pads and Tampons. Made of body safe, Medical Grade Silicone. FDA registered, our Floweret Menstrual Cups collect the menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. They offer great health benefits as well as environmental and financial benefits. Find them on https://floweretcup.com/
Sources:
Sustainable Lifestyle Hub 
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