If youre the same and want to reduce plastic use as much as possible then consider this simple swap. These types of applicators are biodegradable and are not harmful to your body or the planet. Instead, applicators are supposed to be disposed of in the garbage, so they'll eventually end up in a landfill.

I've used the cardboard kind under the age of 20. The TOTM cardboard applicator tampon has a twist and push design. Plus, scroll to discover our 2 switch kits! They're much better for carrying around and create a lot less waste and just seem like better quality tampons in general. Cardboard applicators have been designed for purpose so its easy to adapt to using them. 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? Gendered slurs are strictly scrutinized; please see our gendered slurs policy guide.If you edit your comment, let us know and it may be reinstated. But in this article, were focusing on a prime offender the plastic tampon applicator. On their websites, tampon companies saynot to flush their products. Single-use plastics are common across popular tampon brands in applicators, packaging and even inside the tampons. How often are you complimented on your looks?

Women all around the globe are just on one mission: to find the perfect sanitary product for the time when our monthly friends visit. So, your effort to adapt to using cardboard in place of plastic will help our planet in the long run. I ended up just using my finger anyway. Love them!

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. 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. So much easier and more comfortable to insert properly. raising So dont hesitate to try these tampons just because they are different. 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. "I think it comes down to just the convenience of flushing," Byrne said. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Otherwise they're harder to insert IME. I don't use any other brands so can't comment there. These applicators also end up on beaches and in the oceans. Tampon applicators are nowhere near as abundant as other shoreline litter for example, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanupfound more than 680,000 cigarette butts and 74,000 food wrappers last year. 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. All of Tampaxs ranges contain a plastic film around the tampon, as well as the attached string. "People don't know that they're even a problem," she said.

Cardboard applicators are firstly biodegradable. The tampon part itself is most likely made of the same material, no matter what the applicator is like. "I think it does have a lot to do with embarrassment," she said. As well as providing biodegradable cardboard applicators, both brands offer plastic free tampons made from 100% organic cotton. I never considered the waste part of the situation, but the plastic ones feel weird to me. She estimates that applicators alone make up 80 per cent of that number. Shown in the example below: If youre finding the cardboard a bit rigid, try this method. The plastic in tampons is an urgent problem that we need to address, Kate Metcalf, co-director of Womens Environmental Network told HuffPost UK. Sign up and we'll email you a daily dose of lifestyle stories, covering sex, relationships, health, wellness, money, and green living. It may be easy to overlook the issue of plastic applicators on our shores, Byrne said, because "it's a bit of a taboo topic." In recent years I've switched to OB-- they don't have an applicator at all. DAMEs tampons do come in a plastic wrapper currently, but it is in the process of introducing biodegradable packaging. 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. Required fields are marked *. As a beginner, if someone, If you have been thinking about making the shift to cardboard applicators or. There are already some plastic-free products on the market, so we know it can be done.. As a sustainable period care brand, were continually looking for ways to be 100% plastic free and help people have plastic-free periods. 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. "And that it doesn't go away for a very long time.". Our super-smooth organic dark chocolate bar is infused with zesty blood orange for a treat when youre on (and off) your period. 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.

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. Once they were in, they didn't seem any different to me. So Byrne did some research to find outwhy they were ending up there. "A lot of people aren't happy with the alternatives on the market now, and don't want to make that change," Byrne said. Its a positive step towards cutting out plastics. Challenging those attitudes, Vostralsaid, is the first step towardchange. 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. A Mooncup, (a particularly popular menstrual cup brand) for instance, is available for 20 and lasts ten years. Ideal to give organic a -go on your next period. As part of our new series on plastic, we pulled together a comprehensive guide to where you can find the stuff in your tampon. "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.". 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. At DAME we saw ourselves in a unique position to bring about change in an industry that is largely ignored. It now has nearly 150,000 signatures. Period products, in general, get called into question (WEN revealed that around 90% of non-organic pads are plastic!) These applicators are often found on shorelines along with condoms and needles,items thatusually originate in the same place the toilet. The AHPMA expressly discourages the flushing of feminine hygiene products. She's also a 2020 CBC Joan Donaldson scholar. "It's because people flush them down the toilet.". I've always used cardboard applicators whenever available because they're cheaper and less wasteful. 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. We're taught that it is disgusting.". Whatever it was, it harbored bacteria easily and cause toxic shock syndrome, a situation that put many women of my generation off of tampons for a very long time. "When I started finding those on beaches, I was a little bit confused," she said. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Twist lightly and push slowly. These applicators were one of the first applicators that were ever invented, and as the name suggests, these applicators are made of cardboard. 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. The applicator will just work and feel differently. Unlike litter such as coffee cups, plastic bags or cigarette butts, tampon applicators aren't items that are usually discarded on the shoreline. But not everyone has shown support for the petition against plastic applicators. With your left hand holding the grooves lightly, push the tampon up with the right index finger. DAMEs reusable applicator can be used with a range of non-applicator tampons. Menaka Raman-Wilms writes about the environment, politics and social issues. Tampon applicators, Vostral explained, have their own history of discretion. Applicators, condoms and needles aren't supposed to be flushed, but if they are, they're meant to be filtered out at sewage treatment plants. "We're operating under this assumption that we need to hide periods," she said. some plastic applicator ones expand widthwise like applicator-less tampons. I don't notice any difference between the tampax with cardboard applicators and the tampax with plastic applicators (other than the applicator Obviously). This is a key way that plastic makes its way into our oceans. Like a regular cardboard applicator is the same width, if not bigger, than a super-sized plastic applicator. Place one thumb towards the base of the cardboard applicator, and the other thumb toward the top of the cardboard 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. Flushing these productshas helped hide periods for decades. Does the cotton part work differently or is it just how they get put in place?

Vostral describedhow pads and tampons are designed to be as discreet as possible to help people "pass" as if they're not menstruating. AskWomen rules | AskWomen FAQreddit rules | reddiquette.

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. One can also follow the instructions provided on the packaging to ensure a smooth insert. How to Take out a Tampon without It Hurting Pull out Safely! Sort of, but not because of the difference in applicator. But this is a minor adjustment. I thought that was just a name brand. I can only use the cardboard kind when my period is heavy. But on UK beaches there are nine plastic tampon applicators found per kilometre, according to the Womens Environmental Network. Not many people want to shine a light on tampon waste, Alec Mils and Celia Pool, DAMEs founders, told HuffPost UK. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello folks, I am George Justice, a molecular biologist with a passion for writing. "It all comes down to education," she said, "and figuring out why these problems are happening.". Lower hands ready to insert. Gently twist your lower hand slightly and push upwards to release the tampon. "I think it's like, out of sight, out of mind, get rid of it," Vostral said. Even when the tampon is pretty well saturated, it feels like someone is pulling my insides out. The non applicator ones have a nice slick coating on them for insertion. Although its main range offers biodegradable cardboard applicators, plastic can be found in its Pearl and Compak ranges. While tampon applicators are only used for a few seconds, plastic takes a long time to degrade. If people still choose to use tampons with applicators, Byrne wants them to understand the ramifications of disposing of them in the toilet. 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. "Because they're hard plastic, they float," Le Souef said. 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. Tampons with cardboard applicators are suitable for your body as well as our environment. I guess that's what my mom bought me in the beginning? Why are they ending up on beaches in the first place? They're the same. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Does anyone under the age of 20 use the cardboard kind?

Seems like the cotton would just dry you up and stick on contact. what's the type of person you wish you'll never become? 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. 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. Both TOTM and Natracares tampons have extra eco-friendly credentials. Regular tampons will slide in easily if your vagina is wet with blood/bodily fluids any way. I also can't believe the waste that must come from that.

Tampons come in different variants as one can choose from the various absorbency type and opting for either plastic or cardboard applicators. 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. Another factor, she explained, may be that it's an easy way to make signs of a tampon disappear. The tampon itself was much bigger and I found it difficult to get it lined up properly. Way easier for me. Do the non-applicator kind go in easy? Cardboard applicators do not glide easily but one can use the trick of twist and turn to insert the tampons with ease. 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. a tampon is a tampon - cardboard was the more environmentally friendly option, The Kotex tampons left cotton behind in me grrrrr. However, Mattson saidthat it does happen in certain circumstances. I would never go back to applicator types. "I don't think it's realistic to say everyone's going to jump up and embrace their periods," she said. CLICK HERE! But if there's a big rainstorm, the sewers get too full and it's all released into waterways without being treated. The Kickstarter campaign can be found here. OB's range with plastic applicators come to mind. Since 2014, when Byrne began organizing cleanups, she estimates they've found over 1,500 tampon applicators along Lake Ontario. (Side note: its important to NEVER flush any period care product. In cities with older sewage systems, the same pipes take both sewage and rainwater to the treatment plant. If you have been thinking about making the shift to cardboard applicators or cardboard tampons, it is worth giving a shot. that's a difference between brands - the applicator doesn't change that. Oh I didn't know these existed. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. This will help to reduce plastic wastage and is also entirely safe for your body. "But just making it neutral instead of stigmatized is a big shift.". They can also be composted if you have the facilities.

Add some good to your morning and evening.

I don't understand this part of the question. Press J to jump to the feed. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that Sainsburys own-brand cardboard applicator tampons were plastic free, however they contain around 3% plastic. I'm not under 20 anymore, but I used the cardboard kind when I was. "We're taught to not tell people. Plastic applicators are quite easy to work with and also offer more control when it comes to making some adjustments. "There [were] concerns that women might find [tampons] pleasurable," Vostral said, "and that they really should not be touching themselves.". Right from helpful blogs to product reviews, you will find everything here on Women Wiz! If youre ready for a reusable, shop our menstrual cups here! These combined sewer overflows are used in cities likeToronto andVancouver. 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. Since they're considered medical waste, plastic applicators can't be recycled. During her annual cleanupsalong the shores of Lake Ontario, Rochelle Byrne has come across hundreds of plastic tampon applicators. Today in Canada, many tampons are sold with an applicator, which helps the user insert the tampon. Does anyone under the age of 20 use the cardboard kind? Now if youre new to cardboard applicators, its useful to be aware that they do not glide like a plastic applicator. Your time of the month can be fraught with discomfort and the environmental impact of your tampon is likely to be the furthest thing from your mind. Have questions about this moderator action? HuffPost UK also reached out to Lil Lets, who had not responded at the time of publishing. The only difference is that these tampons have applicators that are made from plastic..

The good news is plastic-free periods are possible. Whats the best (or worst) reaction someone had to you What is the most unrealistic thing about the way sex is How did you deal with going from being a child to getting Women of Reddit Whats one thing you should never say to What is the strangest thing youve seen a partner do? There are alternatives available if you want to ditch the plastic applicator. "[Marketers] always use these words like 'dainty' or 'hygienic,'" she said. This practice, of course, could cause major plumbing issues. What Internalised Misogyny have you overheard? Natracares non-applicator tampons are wrapped in recyclable plastic and their application tampons are wrapped in biodegradable wax lined paper. If you rush you risk twisting too hard or folding the cardboard which can trap the tampon! Pearls? Sustainable, cost effective and their packaging is plastic-free. Non-applicator tampons are an obvious choice, but if you do prefer an applicator for insertion, consider switching to cardboard. 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. These ways of thinking about menstruation may be at the root of why so many tampon applicators end up in the sewage system. I just buy whichever (cardboard or plastic) is cheaper/on offer. 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. I find the plastic ones more comfortable to insert but they're more expensive and I feel bad about throwing away so much plastic. More info on that here). Absolutely not! Since I have studied human anatomy and biology for years pursuing my education, I thought of starting up a blog dedicated to womens health entirely. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Discover our 2 switch kits which contain a mix of our organic cotton tampons, pads and liners! 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. I've used both kinds with different brands and I haven't noticed a difference in the actual tampon. Though plastic applicators did not meet the criteria to be included asone of the six single-use plastic items in next year's ban,Byrne said that A Greener Future's Tampax petition is a way to raise awareness about the problem of plastic applicators. Edit, pause, or cancel at any time . Other alternatives, such as menstrual cups, can be reused and produce significantly less waste. So far, Tampax hasn't responded to the petition asking them to stop making plastic applicators. 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. You can also shop our reusable tampon applicator at Superdrug and Tesco. "If you go down to any of the marinas after a rain," Mattson said, "you'll see condoms floating around, tampon applicators and needles.". It has been revealed that every year, 1.3 billion plastic tampon applicators go into landfill in the UK (thats 25 million each week!). Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. However, there are alternatives. The fact that they're ending up on beaches is "an indicator that there's sewage being discharged in the area," said Mark Mattson, the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and president of SwimDrinkFish, a group that monitors the water in Lake Ontario. She added that anyone used to plastic applicators may find it difficult to switch. "That was the argument: that it was a mess, and you don't need to touch the mess.". Actually I've used both types--applicator and non applicator-- and now that I think of it, the guts of the tampon are different. That's part of her motivation to make others understand what happens when plastic is flushed. Here, were talking about switching from plastic/bio-plastic applicators to cardboard applicators A simple switch with a big impact. Ready to make the switch? Open the paper wrapper, and twist beforehand. I definitely noticed the applicator type seemed more rough or less compacted and smooth or something. 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. Cardboard applicators are rigid and one can take some time to adapt to these kinds of applicators. I'm in my early 20s and have only ever used cardboard applicators. Haven't personally noticed a difference between the two (other than the applicators themselves). No matter how attractive the packaging is or how catchy the brands tagline is, we women just demand one thing: to have comfortable periods and have sanitary products that can make our periods convenient.. I love the plastic ones WAY better. Your email address will not be published. Cardboard applicator tampons are cheap and as such are unlikely to have pearls or other features. According to the Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association (AHPMA), a small film of plastic inside the tampon is used in the majority of tampon ranges to aid insertion and stop fibre shredding, while some use plastics to strengthen the withdrawal cord. When it comes to plastic pollution and waste, theres a lot to be said. A couple of online videos can also help you understand more about inserting such tampons with utmost ease. I switched to tampons without applicators years ago though. The applicator was also supposed to make the overall process of using a tampon less dirty. AskWomen: A subreddit dedicated to asking women questions about their thoughts, lives, and experiences; providing a place where all women can comfortably and candidly share their responses in a non-judgmental space. Why some environmentalists are pushing for an end to plastic tampon applicators | CBC News Loaded. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. So, if they do end up in the landfill they will break down naturally. Superdrugs compact tampons also use plastic applicators. I had only used Australian tampons and then was visiting a friend in Canada who had the applicator type and I needed one. 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. 1.3 billion plastic tampon applicators go into landfill in the UK. Which raises the question, why is there plastic in our tampons in the first place? Plastic tampon applicators, which don't easily degrade, are frequently found in shoreline cleanups across Canada. 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. Back to Bag 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. For the life of me I could not figure out how the applicator was meant to make it easier. A minor change to protect our planet for the future. Some applicators are made of cardboardbut many are now plastic, and come in different colours, depending on the design and brand. Skip to Checkout, Get up to 10% off every order & FREE shipping when you subscribe to hassle-free deliveries. Plastic doesnt biodegrade when it reaches our oceans and rivers, it disintegrates into smaller pieces. Having issues managing your subscriptions? Untreated sewage shouldn't generally be released into Canadian waters. Our top tip for those new to cardboard applicators is to stay calm and dont rush. "It comes down to understanding the implications of single-use plastic," Byrne said.

the rest expand lengthwise and i can't use them. Part of HuffPost Lifestyle. 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 only difference is you rinse it after, instead of flushing it. Any particular brands you like? But Byrne hopes more awareness about the problem willlead to less plastic along the shoreline. Generally cotton, bleached or unbleached.

On UK beaches there are nine plastic tampon applicators found per kilometre. British organic tampon company DAME has launched a reusable applicator, the D. The idea is you use, rinse and reuse the applicator, instead of throwing away countless plastic ones every month. Still,between 3,000 and 3,500 tampons and applicators are found on the country's beaches annually, saidKate Le Souef, manager of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6.



Sitemap 30