What’s the issue?

Did you know that many disposable period products contain up to 90% plastic? On average, a pack of pads contains 5 plastic bags worth. Single-use period products such as tampons, pads and liners generate around 200,000 tonnes of waste per year in the UK.

It is estimated that 4.6 million of these are flushed down toilets every single day! Disposable period products should never be flushed down the toilet. Apart from being harmful to marine life, they also contribute to another problem – fatbergs. Fatbergs are huge masses of period products, wet wipes, nappies, fats and oils which cause blockages in our sewers.

Why not switch to reusable products?

People who have periods will use more than 11,000 disposable period products in their lifetime. Each period can cost on average £10, that’s around £130 a year and £4,490 over a lifetime. In comparison, a menstrual cup costs around £20 and lasts up to 10 years offering an enormous saving.

Reusable period products have a lower environmental impact than single-use period products. Not only do reusable period products save waste, but they also save you money too and are often more comfortable and better for your body. They are also always available, which could help to alleviate period poverty.

The most common three options are:

• Period pants – simply a pair of knickers with an absorbent inner panel. Just wash and reuse.
• Pads/Liners – a shaped pad with wings that popper around your knickers – similar to a disposable pad. Again, just wash and reuse.
• Menstrual cup – probably the most sustainable option – one can last for up to 10 years.

 

Save up to 15% off a range of reusable products

We’re proud to support the Herts Sustainable Periods scheme, which offers an exclusive 15% off reusable period products from selected suppliers to all Hertfordshire residents.

Find out more about each product, and the scheme and apply for your discount by visiting the Stevenage Sustainable Periods website.