Sanitary Towels: Plastic Problem And Environmental Impact

Sanitary towels, or pads, are a popular menstrual product used by women around the world. However, they are also a significant source of plastic pollution. The average sanitary pad is estimated to contain almost 90% plastic, with a pack of pads containing the equivalent of 4-5 plastic bags. This has led to growing concerns about the environmental impact of period products, as well as the potential health risks associated with the use of plastic-containing sanitary towels. With an estimated 11,000 menstrual items disposed of by each woman over a lifetime, the amount of plastic waste generated by sanitary towels is substantial.

Plastic-free sanitary towels are made from organic and natural ingredients

Sanitary towels are estimated to contain almost 90% plastic, with one pack of sanitary towels containing the equivalent of four to five plastic bags. This has led to a rise in plastic-free sanitary towels made from organic and natural ingredients. These products are not only better for the environment, but also for the user's skin and health.

Natracare, for example, has been making plastic-free pads since 1995. Their pads are made from organic and natural ingredients like cotton and wood pulp, making them breathable, soft, and comfortable. Other companies like TOM Organics, Organyc, and TOTM also make plastic-free pads from organic cotton, ensuring no harmful chemicals touch the user's body. These pads are also biodegradable, wrapped in compostable bio-film, and packed in recyclable cardboard boxes.

Reusable cloth pads are another option for those seeking plastic-free alternatives. Companies like GladRags and ImseVimse offer reusable pads made from organic cotton that can be washed and reused for up to five years. This makes them an economical and eco-friendly choice.

For those seeking a more natural experience, FLO offers bamboo pads that are silky-soft, ultra-absorbent, and made from sustainably sourced, 100% organic bamboo. These pads are free from harsh chemicals, chlorine, and dyes, making them a natural and irritation-free option. They are also individually wrapped in plant-based, compostable wrappers and packed in recyclable boxes.

By choosing plastic-free sanitary towels, users can not only help protect the environment but also benefit from natural, organic products that are kinder to their skin and overall health.

Plastic in sanitary towels can cause skin irritation

Additionally, scented sanitary towels can contain synthetic fragrances, which are made from thousands of chemicals. These chemicals can come into direct contact with the skin and cause irritation or allergic reactions. Some people may also be allergic to the adhesives used in sanitary towels, which can lead to rashes and itching.

The friction from wearing plastic-filled sanitary towels can also irritate the skin, especially if the towels are not changed frequently enough. This friction can lead to a build-up of bacteria, causing further irritation and potential infections. It is recommended that sanitary towels are changed every 3 to 4 hours to prevent this.

Finally, the plastic in sanitary towels can contribute to environmental pollution, as they are often flushed down the toilet and end up in the ocean. This can be harmful to the skin as well, as the chemicals and plastics in the water can affect the skin's health. Therefore, it is essential to dispose of sanitary towels properly and consider using plastic-free alternatives.

Sanitary towels are flushed down the toilet, polluting the ocean

Sanitary towels are a popular choice for women around the world. However, many are unaware that these products are predominantly made from plastic, with a pack of sanitary towels containing the equivalent amount of plastic as four to five carrier bags. This plastic content has serious implications when sanitary towels are flushed down the toilet, as they enter the sewage system and eventually pollute the ocean.

According to figures published in the Journal of the Institution of Environmental Sciences, approximately 1.4 million sanitary towels are flushed down the toilet in the UK every day. This contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. When plastic-containing products like sanitary towels are flushed, they do not break down easily and can take up to 500 years to fully decompose.

The impact of flushing sanitary towels is not limited to environmental concerns. Rachel Dyson, head of the Anglian Water's "Keep It Clear" programme, warns that flushing sanitary products can have detrimental effects on the marine environment. Over the course of a decade, the Marine Conservation Society has collected more than 20,000 tampons, applicators, and sanitary pads from UK beaches. This litter not only releases harmful chemicals but also poses a threat to marine life, which may ingest these items by mistake.

To address this issue, it is crucial to raise awareness about the negative consequences of flushing sanitary products. Campaigns such as Plastic Free July aim to educate individuals about the impact of their choices. Additionally, seeking out alternative menstrual products that are plastic-free, such as organic cotton pads or reusable cloth pads, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans. By making conscious choices, individuals can play a vital role in protecting the environment and their own health.

Sanitary towels are estimated to contain almost 90% plastic

The majority of period products, such as tampons and sanitary pads, are predominantly made from plastic. This makes it harder for them to break down once they enter the sewage system. In the UK, approximately 1.4 million sanitary towels are flushed down the toilet every day. This contributes to the 8% of waste that enters water treatment facilities from period waste, as stated by Water UK.

The plastic content of sanitary products is a growing environmental concern. The marketing of menstrual products has consistently focused on discretion, which has led to more plastic and packaging. For example, in 2013, Kotex introduced a tampon with a "softer, quieter wrapper" for discreet unwrapping.

In addition to the environmental impact, the use of plastic in sanitary towels can also have negative effects on the skin. Conventional plastic-filled pads can irritate the vulva and cause sweating and discomfort.

To address these issues, several companies offer plastic-free and biodegradable sanitary towels and panty-liners, such as Natracare, &Sisters, and others. Reusable cloth pads, such as ImseVimse or Bloom and Nora, are also available in various sizes and colours and can be easily washed.

Plastic packaging is used to discreetly wrap sanitary towels

Sanitary products have long been marketed with a focus on discretion. In the 1920s, Johnson and Johnson's magazine advertisements for their "Modess" brand sanitary napkins included cut-out slips that women could silently exchange at the pharmacy counter for a discreetly wrapped box. This obsession with discretion has continued to this day, with Kotex introducing a tampon with a "softer, quieter wrapper" in 2013.

The drive for discretion has contributed to the proliferation of plastic in sanitary products and their packaging. Sanitary towels, which are the preferred menstrual product for women globally, are estimated to contain up to 90% plastic. A pack of conventional sanitary towels contains the equivalent amount of plastic as 4-5 carrier bags, with an average of 36g of plastic per pack. That's 2.4g of plastic per pad, and 2.5g for the outer pack.

The plastic content of sanitary towels can have negative health and environmental consequences. Conventional plastic-filled pads can irritate the skin and cause sweating and discomfort. When disposed of, the plastic in sanitary towels can take up to 500 years to fully break down, contributing to landfill waste and plastic pollution in the soil and water.

To address these issues, plastic-free and biodegradable sanitary products are available from brands such as Natracare, &Sisters, TOTM, and others. Reusable cloth pads, such as those offered by ImseVimse or Bloom and Nora, are also a more environmentally-friendly alternative.

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