I would never go back to applicator types. "And that it doesn't go away for a very long time.". "We're operating under this assumption that we need to hide periods," she said. Not many people want to shine a light on tampon waste, Alec Mils and Celia Pool, DAMEs founders, told HuffPost UK. I can only use the cardboard kind when my period is heavy. Now if youre new to cardboard applicators, its useful to be aware that they do not glide like a plastic applicator. Having issues managing your subscriptions? Lower hands ready to insert. Twist lightly and push slowly. The only difference is that these tampons have applicators that are made from plastic.. I also can't believe the waste that must come from that. 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. Although its main range offers biodegradable cardboard applicators, plastic can be found in its Pearl and Compak ranges. DAMEs tampons do come in a plastic wrapper currently, but it is in the process of introducing biodegradable packaging. Right from helpful blogs to product reviews, you will find everything here on Women Wiz! On their websites, tampon companies saynot to flush their products. DAMEs reusable applicator can be used with a range of non-applicator tampons. She added that anyone used to plastic applicators may find it difficult to switch. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. In recent years I've switched to OB-- they don't have an applicator at all. Seems like the cotton would just dry you up and stick on contact. Do the non-applicator kind go in easy? But Byrne hopes more awareness about the problem willlead to less plastic along the shoreline. The plastic in tampons is an urgent problem that we need to address, Kate Metcalf, co-director of Womens Environmental Network told HuffPost UK. At DAME we saw ourselves in a unique position to bring about change in an industry that is largely ignored. The tampon itself was much bigger and I found it difficult to get it lined up properly. Plastic doesnt biodegrade when it reaches our oceans and rivers, it disintegrates into smaller pieces. Since 2014, when Byrne began organizing cleanups, she estimates they've found over 1,500 tampon applicators along Lake Ontario. Place one thumb towards the base of the cardboard applicator, and the other thumb toward the top of the cardboard applicator. These applicators also end up on beaches and in the oceans. The Kickstarter campaign can be found here. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. As well as providing biodegradable cardboard applicators, both brands offer plastic free tampons made from 100% organic cotton. Shown in the example below: If youre finding the cardboard a bit rigid, try this method. DAMEs range of organic cotton tampons are also completely compostable. Edit, pause, or cancel at any time . I just buy whichever (cardboard or plastic) is cheaper/on offer. I thought that was just a name brand. Challenging those attitudes, Vostralsaid, is the first step towardchange. As a beginner, if someone, If you have been thinking about making the shift to cardboard applicators or. She estimates that applicators alone make up 80 per cent of that number. They're much better for carrying around and create a lot less waste and just seem like better quality tampons in general. Our top tip for those new to cardboard applicators is to stay calm and dont rush. Open the paper wrapper, and twist beforehand. Why are they ending up on beaches in the first place? Any particular brands you like? 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. If you have been thinking about making the shift to cardboard applicators or cardboard tampons, it is worth giving a shot. Way easier for me. I don't understand this part of the question. "If you go down to any of the marinas after a rain," Mattson said, "you'll see condoms floating around, tampon applicators and needles.". When it comes to plastic pollution and waste, theres a lot to be said. Superdrugs compact tampons also use plastic applicators. I love the plastic ones WAY better. A minor change to protect our planet for the future. 1.3 billion plastic tampon applicators go into landfill in the UK. Cardboard applicators are rigid and one can take some time to adapt to these kinds of applicators. Gently twist your lower hand slightly and push upwards to release the tampon. Tampons with cardboard applicators are suitable for your body as well as our environment. Plastic tampon applicators, which don't easily degrade, are frequently found in shoreline cleanups across Canada. Part of HuffPost Lifestyle. Instead, applicators are supposed to be disposed of in the garbage, so they'll eventually end up in a landfill. 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. There are already some plastic-free products on the market, so we know it can be done.. 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. But on UK beaches there are nine plastic tampon applicators found per kilometre, according to the Womens Environmental Network. Required fields are marked *. 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. These applicators are often found on shorelines along with condoms and needles,items thatusually originate in the same place the toilet. Our super-smooth organic dark chocolate bar is infused with zesty blood orange for a treat when youre on (and off) your period. "[Marketers] always use these words like 'dainty' or 'hygienic,'" she said. Cardboard applicators are firstly biodegradable. There are alternatives available if you want to ditch the plastic applicator. Sort of, but not because of the difference in applicator. Non-applicator tampons are an obvious choice, but if you do prefer an applicator for insertion, consider switching to cardboard. How often are you complimented on your looks? AskWomen rules | AskWomen FAQreddit rules | reddiquette. Even when the tampon is pretty well saturated, it feels like someone is pulling my insides out. So much easier and more comfortable to insert properly. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Ready to make the switch? This practice, of course, could cause major plumbing issues. She's also a 2020 CBC Joan Donaldson scholar. 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. Some applicators are made of cardboardbut many are now plastic, and come in different colours, depending on the design and brand. Otherwise they're harder to insert IME. While tampon applicators are only used for a few seconds, plastic takes a long time to degrade. Cardboard naturally has a more rigid feel to plastic, so you need to be prepared for this difference. Love them! So, your effort to adapt to using cardboard in place of plastic will help our planet in the long run. Menaka Raman-Wilms writes about the environment, politics and social issues. "We're taught to not tell people. This is a key way that plastic makes its way into our oceans. "It comes down to understanding the implications of single-use plastic," Byrne said. You can also shop our reusable tampon applicator at Superdrug and Tesco. the rest expand lengthwise and i can't use them. Period products, in general, get called into question (WEN revealed that around 90% of non-organic pads are plastic!) OB's range with plastic applicators come to mind. The applicator was also supposed to make the overall process of using a tampon less dirty. 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? Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. "[They] last a long time in the water.". If youre the same and want to reduce plastic use as much as possible then consider this simple swap. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It now has nearly 150,000 signatures. 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. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Add some good to your morning and evening. 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. "I think it does have a lot to do with embarrassment," she said. These applicators were one of the first applicators that were ever invented, and as the name suggests, these applicators are made of cardboard. I guess that's what my mom bought me in the beginning? Like a regular cardboard applicator is the same width, if not bigger, than a super-sized plastic applicator. "There [were] concerns that women might find [tampons] pleasurable," Vostral said, "and that they really should not be touching themselves.". Other alternatives, such as menstrual cups, can be reused and produce significantly less waste. The non applicator ones have a nice slick coating on them for insertion. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that Sainsburys own-brand cardboard applicator tampons were plastic free, however they contain around 3% plastic. Ideal to give organic a -go on your next period. If you rush you risk twisting too hard or folding the cardboard which can trap the tampon! Actually I've used both types--applicator and non applicator-- and now that I think of it, the guts of the tampon are different. 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. 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. 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. However, Mattson saidthat it does happen in certain circumstances. Here, were talking about switching from plastic/bio-plastic applicators to cardboard applicators A simple switch with a big impact. 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. 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. Tampons come in different variants as one can choose from the various absorbency type and opting for either plastic or cardboard applicators. The TOTM cardboard applicator tampon has a twist and push design. Less trash, fits in my pocket, less mess in general. I find the plastic ones more comfortable to insert but they're more expensive and I feel bad about throwing away so much plastic. In cities with older sewage systems, the same pipes take both sewage and rainwater to the treatment plant. Once they were in, they didn't seem any different to me. A couple of online videos can also help you understand more about inserting such tampons with utmost ease. Generally cotton, bleached or unbleached. some plastic applicator ones expand widthwise like applicator-less tampons. 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. "That was the argument: that it was a mess, and you don't need to touch the mess.". 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. If people still choose to use tampons with applicators, Byrne wants them to understand the ramifications of disposing of them in the toilet. Today in Canada, many tampons are sold with an applicator, which helps the user insert the tampon. That's part of her motivation to make others understand what happens when plastic is flushed. Oh I didn't know these existed. 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. As part of our new series on plastic, we pulled together a comprehensive guide to where you can find the stuff in your tampon. They're the same. Cardboard applicators do not glide easily but one can use the trick of twist and turn to insert the tampons with ease. On UK beaches there are nine plastic tampon applicators found per kilometre. This will help to reduce plastic wastage and is also entirely safe for your body. Another factor, she explained, may be that it's an easy way to make signs of a tampon disappear. With your left hand holding the grooves lightly, push the tampon up with the right index finger. Absolutely not! So dont hesitate to try these tampons just because they are different. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. Unlike litter such as coffee cups, plastic bags or cigarette butts, tampon applicators aren't items that are usually discarded on the shoreline. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. We're taught that it is disgusting.". I've used both kinds with different brands and I haven't noticed a difference in the actual tampon. During her annual cleanupsalong the shores of Lake Ontario, Rochelle Byrne has come across hundreds of plastic tampon applicators. I switched to tampons without applicators years ago though. Sign up and we'll email you a daily dose of lifestyle stories, covering sex, relationships, health, wellness, money, and green living. 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. So far, Tampax hasn't responded to the petition asking them to stop making plastic applicators. Since they're considered medical waste, plastic applicators can't be recycled. "When I started finding those on beaches, I was a little bit confused," she said. "I don't think it's realistic to say everyone's going to jump up and embrace their periods," she said. Discover our 2 switch kits which contain a mix of our organic cotton tampons, pads and liners! Both TOTM and Natracares tampons have extra eco-friendly credentials. Natracares non-applicator tampons are wrapped in recyclable plastic and their application tampons are wrapped in biodegradable wax lined paper. I'm in my early 20s and have only ever used cardboard applicators. I'm not under 20 anymore, but I used the cardboard kind when I was. For the life of me I could not figure out how the applicator was meant to make it easier. 2022 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. As a sustainable period care brand, were continually looking for ways to be 100% plastic free and help people have plastic-free periods. A Mooncup, (a particularly popular menstrual cup brand) for instance, is available for 20 and lasts ten years. I don't notice any difference between the tampax with cardboard applicators and the tampax with plastic applicators (other than the applicator Obviously). I never considered the waste part of the situation, but the plastic ones feel weird to me. One can also follow the instructions provided on the packaging to ensure a smooth insert. I definitely noticed the applicator type seemed more rough or less compacted and smooth or something. Back to Bag Press J to jump to the feed. But if there's a big rainstorm, the sewers get too full and it's all released into waterways without being treated. Why some environmentalists are pushing for an end to plastic tampon applicators | CBC News Loaded. what's the type of person you wish you'll never become? The tampons with plastic applicators easily glide and are more comfortable than the cardboard applicators. Untreated sewage shouldn't generally be released into Canadian waters. Its a positive step towards cutting out plastics. "It's because people flush them down the toilet.". Your email address will not be published. a tampon is a tampon - cardboard was the more environmentally friendly option, The Kotex tampons left cotton behind in me grrrrr. If youre ready for a reusable, shop our menstrual cups here! But in this article, were focusing on a prime offender the plastic tampon applicator. The good news is plastic-free periods are possible. The only difference is you rinse it after, instead of flushing it. The applicator will just work and feel differently. Alternatives such as tampons with cardboard applicators or no applicator at all can be less comfortable and not as easy to use. 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.. 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." 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? These ways of thinking about menstruation may be at the root of why so many tampon applicators end up in the sewage system. 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. 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. "I think it comes down to just the convenience of flushing," Byrne said. 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. 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. "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.". I've used the cardboard kind under the age of 20. "Because they're hard plastic, they float," Le Souef said. I had only used Australian tampons and then was visiting a friend in Canada who had the applicator type and I needed one. I ended up just using my finger anyway. 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. (Side note: its important to NEVER flush any period care product. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello folks, I am George Justice, a molecular biologist with a passion for writing. Skip to Checkout, Get up to 10% off every order & FREE shipping when you subscribe to hassle-free deliveries. I've always used cardboard applicators whenever available because they're cheaper and less wasteful. 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. These combined sewer overflows are used in cities likeToronto andVancouver. Does anyone under the age of 20 use the cardboard kind? 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.