So, if they do end up in the landfill they will break down naturally. DAMEs tampons do come in a plastic wrapper currently, but it is in the process of introducing biodegradable packaging. A minor change to protect our planet for the future. Period products, in general, get called into question (WEN revealed that around 90% of non-organic pads are plastic!) Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Superdrugs compact tampons also use plastic applicators. But why are tampon applicators ending up on our shores in the first place? I've always used cardboard applicators whenever available because they're cheaper and less wasteful. "I don't think it's realistic to say everyone's going to jump up and embrace their periods," she said. "And that it doesn't go away for a very long time.". All of Tampaxs ranges contain a plastic film around the tampon, as well as the attached string. The good news is plastic-free periods are possible. When modern tampons came into common use in the 1930s, there were worries about women using their fingers to insert a tampon, whichled to the development of the applicator. 2022 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. On UK beaches there are nine plastic tampon applicators found per kilometre. For the life of me I could not figure out how the applicator was meant to make it easier. Alternatives such as tampons with cardboard applicators or no applicator at all can be less comfortable and not as easy to use. Your email address will not be published. "There [were] concerns that women might find [tampons] pleasurable," Vostral said, "and that they really should not be touching themselves.". Challenging those attitudes, Vostralsaid, is the first step towardchange. The applicators help insert the tampon with ease, and one should know the pros and cons of both these types of applicators to make a better choice. I would never go back to applicator types. They're much better for carrying around and create a lot less waste and just seem like better quality tampons in general. This will help to reduce plastic wastage and is also entirely safe for your body. The tampon itself was much bigger and I found it difficult to get it lined up properly. Ideal to give organic a -go on your next period. DAMEs reusable applicator can be used with a range of non-applicator tampons. Back to Bag But this is a minor adjustment. While tampon applicators are only used for a few seconds, plastic takes a long time to degrade. "People don't know that they're even a problem," she said. As a beginner, if someone, If you have been thinking about making the shift to cardboard applicators or. The AHPMA expressly discourages the flushing of feminine hygiene products. Best Bar Soap for Feminine Hygiene Expert Advice for Feminine Wash, Regular vs super tampons Learn about tampon size and how to choose, How to unclog a toilet clogged with tampons: Tips to unblock a toilet, Does Testosterone Increase During Period Know All About Ovulation, Can a Tampon Break Your Hymen Thing People Get Wrong About Hymen, Best Tampon for Heavy Flow and Swimming Leak Proof Tampons of 2020, Can Ibuprofen Stop your Period for a Few Hours Expert Guidance, Best Menstrual Cup for High Cervix Top Rated Cup of 2019, Does a UTI Delay your Period Know the Causes of Irregular Periods. Cardboard applicators do not glide easily but one can use the trick of twist and turn to insert the tampons with ease. Cardboard Tampons VS Plastic Tampons Know Your Choices, Women all around the globe are just on one mission: to find the, Tampons come in different variants as one can choose from the various, Several women like using cotton tampons with plastic applicators as it is more comfortable to insert. Tampons come in different variants as one can choose from the various absorbency type and opting for either plastic or cardboard applicators. The non applicator ones have a nice slick coating on them for insertion. This practice, of course, could cause major plumbing issues. When it comes to plastic pollution and waste, theres a lot to be said. Although its main range offers biodegradable cardboard applicators, plastic can be found in its Pearl and Compak ranges. Shown in the example below: If youre finding the cardboard a bit rigid, try this method. But Byrne hopes more awareness about the problem willlead to less plastic along the shoreline. A couple of online videos can also help you understand more about inserting such tampons with utmost ease. Sign up and we'll email you a daily dose of lifestyle stories, covering sex, relationships, health, wellness, money, and green living. Like a regular cardboard applicator is the same width, if not bigger, than a super-sized plastic applicator. If you do not want to receive marketing communications that we think you will be interested in, you can opt out by ticking this box now or in the future via your account. (Side note: its important to NEVER flush any period care product. These microplastics are having a devastating impact on marine life as they are injested by fish, birds and other marine life with fatal effects., Its really down to the manufacturers to look at ways they can design out plastic from their products, Rosie Cotgreave, plastics campaigner at Friends of the Earth, told HuffPost UK. The ideaof keepingmenstruation discreet may be at the root of this plastic problem, said Sharra Vostral, aprofessor at Purdue University who's studied the history of menstrual padsandthe author of two books on the subject. "I think it's like, out of sight, out of mind, get rid of it," Vostral said. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Generally cotton, bleached or unbleached. "But just making it neutral instead of stigmatized is a big shift.". Which raises the question, why is there plastic in our tampons in the first place? Actually I've used both types--applicator and non applicator-- and now that I think of it, the guts of the tampon are different. The Kickstarter campaign can be found here. some plastic applicator ones expand widthwise like applicator-less tampons. During her annual cleanupsalong the shores of Lake Ontario, Rochelle Byrne has come across hundreds of plastic tampon applicators. Vostral describedhow pads and tampons are designed to be as discreet as possible to help people "pass" as if they're not menstruating. These types of applicators are biodegradable and are not harmful to your body or the planet. "It all comes down to education," she said, "and figuring out why these problems are happening.". Is It Better to Use Pads or Tampons Know Which Is Better for Period, Can you Take a Drug Test While on your Period Know from Professionals, Best Sanitary Pads for Tweens Be Prepared for First Period, Best Pads for Sports Period Suitable Sanitary Pad for Sports Classes. "Because they're hard plastic, they float," Le Souef said. Does anyone under the age of 20 use the cardboard kind? Single-use plastics are common across popular tampon brands in applicators, packaging and even inside the tampons. Haven't personally noticed a difference between the two (other than the applicators themselves). It now has nearly 150,000 signatures. Twist lightly and push slowly. Add some good to your morning and evening. Now if youre new to cardboard applicators, its useful to be aware that they do not glide like a plastic applicator. These applicators were one of the first applicators that were ever invented, and as the name suggests, these applicators are made of cardboard. I'm in my early 20s and have only ever used cardboard applicators. Your email address will not be published. Although they're not listed as one of the items in theupcoming Canadian ban on single-use plastics, tampon applicators are frequently found in shoreline cleanups and don't easily degrade. HuffPost UK also reached out to Lil Lets, who had not responded at the time of publishing. They're so common that her non-profit, A Greener Future, began a petition a few years ago asking leading tampon brand Tampax to stop making plastic applicators. Why are they ending up on beaches in the first place? This is a key way that plastic makes its way into our oceans. They're the same. There are already some plastic-free products on the market, so we know it can be done.. More info on that here). Way easier for me. Cardboard naturally has a more rigid feel to plastic, so you need to be prepared for this difference. Tampons became massively popular among women as it is more comfortable to wear them, especially for the women who like to do yoga, swim or any other physical activity during menstruation. The applicator was also supposed to make the overall process of using a tampon less dirty. How often are you complimented on your looks? "A lot of people aren't happy with the alternatives on the market now, and don't want to make that change," Byrne said. As for the actual tampon part: every cardboard kind I've tried has a tampon that expands in length and width, which doesn't work as well as the kind that "blossom" open. Does the cotton part work differently or is it just how they get put in place? We're taught that it is disgusting.". Love them! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. She's also a 2020 CBC Joan Donaldson scholar. I switched to tampons without applicators years ago though. Our super-smooth organic dark chocolate bar is infused with zesty blood orange for a treat when youre on (and off) your period. Never noticed much of a difference with the actual tampon itself but to me the cardboard applicator is super uncomfortable and can sometimes mess up how I insert. I never considered the waste part of the situation, but the plastic ones feel weird to me. Tampon applicators, Vostral explained, have their own history of discretion. As part of our commitment to that mission, the AskWomen subreddit is curated to promote respectful and on-topic discussions, and not serve as a debate subreddit. Asda and Boots own brand tampon ranges as well as Superdrugs standard range use biodegradable paper applicator tubes and recyclable packaging, but plastic can be found, once again, inside the tampons themselves. I guess that's what my mom bought me in the beginning? How to Take out a Tampon without It Hurting Pull out Safely! She estimates that applicators alone make up 80 per cent of that number. A long time ago (early 80s) there was a "new, improved" tampon called Rely that was intended to last longer than cotton tampons, and had some kind of super absorbent material in it. As these applicators are made of plastic these are not biodegradable but some companies do make use of other materials along with plastic to make these applicators. a tampon is a tampon - cardboard was the more environmentally friendly option, The Kotex tampons left cotton behind in me grrrrr. I don't use any other brands so can't comment there. The applicator will just work and feel differently. Natracares non-applicator tampons are wrapped in recyclable plastic and their application tampons are wrapped in biodegradable wax lined paper. Non-applicator tampons are an obvious choice, but if you do prefer an applicator for insertion, consider switching to cardboard. In cities with older sewage systems, the same pipes take both sewage and rainwater to the treatment plant. Plus, scroll to discover our 2 switch kits! It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Not many people want to shine a light on tampon waste, Alec Mils and Celia Pool, DAMEs founders, told HuffPost UK. So far, Tampax hasn't responded to the petition asking them to stop making plastic applicators. A Mooncup, (a particularly popular menstrual cup brand) for instance, is available for 20 and lasts ten years. I don't understand this part of the question. "If people are at someone else's house or out at a restaurant and there isn't a way to dispose of the applicator discreetly, it's probably easier to flush it down the toilet so it's gone.". Well, there are so many options now to choose from, its vital to know the pros and cons of all the options to make an informed decision. With your left hand holding the grooves lightly, push the tampon up with the right index finger. I just buy whichever (cardboard or plastic) is cheaper/on offer. A menstrual cup is rated by the Womens Environmental Network as the most sustainable option for those looking to make their period more eco-friendly. So dont hesitate to try these tampons just because they are different. Cardboard applicators are rigid and one can take some time to adapt to these kinds of applicators. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello folks, I am George Justice, a molecular biologist with a passion for writing. I've used both kinds with different brands and I haven't noticed a difference in the actual tampon. I had only used Australian tampons and then was visiting a friend in Canada who had the applicator type and I needed one. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. As part of our new series on plastic, we pulled together a comprehensive guide to where you can find the stuff in your tampon. At DAME we saw ourselves in a unique position to bring about change in an industry that is largely ignored. Press J to jump to the feed. "That was the argument: that it was a mess, and you don't need to touch the mess.". Edit, pause, or cancel at any time . These applicators are often found on shorelines along with condoms and needles,items thatusually originate in the same place the toilet. Unlike litter such as coffee cups, plastic bags or cigarette butts, tampon applicators aren't items that are usually discarded on the shoreline. Some applicators are made of cardboardbut many are now plastic, and come in different colours, depending on the design and brand. what's the type of person you wish you'll never become? I've used the cardboard kind under the age of 20. But I'm 28 (I have no idea why that makes a difference but you referred to age) and the plastic applicators didn't exist when I started using tampons. Several women like using cotton tampons with plastic applicators as it is more comfortable to insert. Our top tip for those new to cardboard applicators is to stay calm and dont rush. Another factor, she explained, may be that it's an easy way to make signs of a tampon disappear. Since 2014, when Byrne began organizing cleanups, she estimates they've found over 1,500 tampon applicators along Lake Ontario. However, Mattson saidthat it does happen in certain circumstances. Do the non-applicator kind go in easy? Plastic doesnt biodegrade when it reaches our oceans and rivers, it disintegrates into smaller pieces. Why some environmentalists are pushing for an end to plastic tampon applicators | CBC News Loaded. "I think it comes down to just the convenience of flushing," Byrne said. Both TOTM and Natracares tampons have extra eco-friendly credentials. "If you go down to any of the marinas after a rain," Mattson said, "you'll see condoms floating around, tampon applicators and needles.". If youre ready for a reusable, shop our menstrual cups here! Women all around the globe are just on one mission: to find the perfect sanitary product for the time when our monthly friends visit. Even when the tampon is pretty well saturated, it feels like someone is pulling my insides out. I can only use the cardboard kind when my period is heavy. As a beginner, if someone starts with tampons with cardboard applicators, it can be tricky initially, but once habituated, tampons with cardboard applicators are also easy to insert. Open the paper wrapper, and twist beforehand. Have questions about this moderator action? Today in Canada, many tampons are sold with an applicator, which helps the user insert the tampon. So, your effort to adapt to using cardboard in place of plastic will help our planet in the long run. However, there are alternatives. There are alternatives available if you want to ditch the plastic applicator. If people still choose to use tampons with applicators, Byrne wants them to understand the ramifications of disposing of them in the toilet. In terms of packaging, TOTMs applicator tampons are wrapped in paper, whereas their non-applicator tampons are wrapped in plastic, but TOTM is looking to change this as soon as possible. Oh I didn't know these existed. Cardboard applicators have been designed for purpose so its easy to adapt to using them. Does anyone under the age of 20 use the cardboard kind? Absolutely not! The plastics that are found include both polyethylene, the most common form of plastic, and polypropylene, which is the plastic used in teabags and chocolate bar wrappers. Does your SO have full access to your phone and all your Women of reddit who respond with only one word sentence Women of reddit , What could $100,000 do for your current How do you maintain adult friendships with other women if What does a cultured person look/seem like to you? "We're operating under this assumption that we need to hide periods," she said. Sustainable, cost effective and their packaging is plastic-free. I might have to try those again, since now that I can insert a tampon, finally (couldn't for a very long time due to vaginismus) getting it OUT is the real problem. Having issues managing your subscriptions? Right from helpful blogs to product reviews, you will find everything here on Women Wiz! Flushing these productshas helped hide periods for decades. It has been revealed that every year, 1.3 billion plastic tampon applicators go into landfill in the UK (thats 25 million each week!). As compared to other alternatives, these applicators are eco-friendly and hypoallergenic., Plastic tampons, or rather tampons with plastic applicators, became a rage amongst women. That's part of her motivation to make others understand what happens when plastic is flushed. "I think it does have a lot to do with embarrassment," she said. She described how some of the early Kotex instructions in the 1920s and '30s would tell consumers to take apart the used pad and flush it down the toilet, one piece at a time. Pearls? Edmonton students pushing for waste-free menstrual products, Winnipeg crafter creates reusable menstrual products, Ottawa business donates 3,000 menstrual cups to Nunavut, upcoming Canadian ban on single-use plastics, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. On their websites, tampon companies saynot to flush their products. In Australia, tampons with applicators are a rare product and generally only used by young women who are first starting to use tampons, who then switch to non-applicator tampons within a month or so. Less trash, fits in my pocket, less mess in general. Other alternatives, such as menstrual cups, can be reused and produce significantly less waste. With your left hand, hold the grooves on the middle of the upper applicator, then place your right index finger flat against the bottom of the applicator. "[They] last a long time in the water.". She added that anyone used to plastic applicators may find it difficult to switch. I don't notice any difference between the tampax with cardboard applicators and the tampax with plastic applicators (other than the applicator Obviously). As well as providing biodegradable cardboard applicators, both brands offer plastic free tampons made from 100% organic cotton. As a sustainable period care brand, were continually looking for ways to be 100% plastic free and help people have plastic-free periods. If youre the same and want to reduce plastic use as much as possible then consider this simple swap. But in this article, were focusing on a prime offender the plastic tampon applicator. "We're taught to not tell people. So Byrne did some research to find outwhy they were ending up there. Part of HuffPost Lifestyle. These ways of thinking about menstruation may be at the root of why so many tampon applicators end up in the sewage system. Any particular brands you like? Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that Sainsburys own-brand cardboard applicator tampons were plastic free, however they contain around 3% plastic.
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