Period plastics are damaging our planet and polluting the ocean. We’re taking action and are proud to announce our support for Plastic Bank.
Did you know that every year in the UK an estimated 1.5bn to 2bn period care items are flushed down toilets? With conventional period care containing up to 90% plastic, these products are widely contributing to plastic pollution in local waterways, beaches, and the ocean.
Is this an avoidable problem?
The simple answer is – yes. By responsibly disposing of your period care products and using reduced or zero waste options you can help to protect our oceans. There is however a need for manufacturers to address this problem to stop it at the source.
Studies show that over 50% of users flush their period care after use. This often happens because many do not realise that flushing period products has such a negative impact on the planet. Whilst we need to generate more awareness, manufacturers can help by addressing products. This means using less plastic and stopping production of plastic tampon applicators.
When it comes to beach and ocean pollution, plastic applicators are key offenders. There are on average nine plastic tampon applicators found per kilometre on UK beaches. Alternatives such as cardboard applicators, reusable applicators, or tampons without applicators all exist. But plastic applicators remain the most used products in the UK.
TOTM want to help address the issue
Whilst we only offer cardboard and reusable tampon applicators – having never offered a plastic applicator version – we want to play our part in tackling ocean plastics. This year, we’re proud to be supporting Plastic Bank to make a difference here.
Although our period care range will never include plastic tampon applicators, we want to take our fight against period plastic further. We are proudly supporting Plastic Bank to proactively reduce existing ocean plastic.
For every TOTM cardboard applicator tampon sold, we’re recovering the equivalent amount in ocean plastic.
How do Plastic Bank operate?
Plastic Bank are a non-for-profit social enterprise set up to fight both plastic pollution in oceans, as well as high poverty levels in developing countries. In their own words:
“Plastic Bank® empowers the regenerative society. We build ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocess the materials for reintroduction into the global supply chain as Social Plastic®. Our members receive a premium for the materials they collect which helps them provide basic family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance. Our certified blockchain platform secures the entire transaction and provides real-time data visualization – allowing for transparency, traceability, and rapid scalability.”
A campaign for change
Through our support for Plastic Bank, we’re proud to be playing our part in reducing the impact that the period care industry has on our oceans. We’ll continue to raise awareness of responsible disposal methods and champion our eco- period care products but taking action is important to our mission at TOTM. As a TOTM customer you play a key role in driving this change, as we couldn’t do it without you!
