- Ella Daish is campaigning for the removal of plastic from menstruation products, which are a major source of plastic pollution.
- Her campaign has so far led to three major UK retailers ditching plastic tampon applicators.
- Ella sat down for an interview with the World Economic Forum to discuss her activism and why it is so important.
Full Answer
Is there such a thing as a period product brand?
While tried-and-true period product brands like Tampax have expanded their offerings into organic cotton products and even menstrual cups, smaller start-ups continue to pop up, providing more choices for women to find comfort and protection through their cycle.
Do we need free menstrual products to solve period poverty?
Free and cheaper products are clearly necessary in some situations, and can manage short-term issues, but they will not solve what is a complex socio-economic issue. Most period poverty headlines focus on girls not attending school because they can’t afford menstrual products. But there is little evidence that pads alone will keep girls in school.
Can periods ever be sustainable?
Luckily, there's a plethora of brands waking up to the fact that periods as we know them are totally unsustainable - and they're taking action. Take Freda, for example, a brand that sources sustainable, ethically-sourced materials that don't compromise on hygiene or performance.
Why are period products bad for the environment?
In fact, period products are the fifth-most common item found polluting Europe’s beaches, more so than straws or coffee cups. They contribute to ocean plastic pollution and overtime their plastic content breaks down into smaller pieces, known as micro-plastics and fibres.
How can menstrual products be made affordable?
What are the challenges of menstruation?
Why didn't Jane use reusable pads?
Will the UK end period poverty?
Did Mariam have her period?
See 2 more
About this website
Why is the tampon shortage 2022?
Overall, the 2022 tampon shortages are being caused by the same factors as other shortages—access to raw materials, shipping troubles, and labor issues. As Time pointed out, tampons are made with cotton and rayon, two materials that have been in high-demand for personal protective equipment throughout the pandemic.
Why are they taking period products away?
The shortage stems from a combination of factory staffing challenges, transportation bottlenecks, and the rising costs of key raw materials used to make the products, tampon makers say.
Are period products getting banned?
New York and Illinois are two states that are leading the way. New York has passed laws eliminating the tampon tax, requiring free menstrual products in public schools, homeless shelters, and correctional facilities; and requiring disclosure of all intentionally-added ingredients in products.
Is there going to be a shortage of tampons?
The shortage is reportedly stemming from several factors, including staffing problems at factories and transportation delays. Major retail chains across the country are reporting a shortage of tampon products as people have taken to social media to report their struggle to find products on store shelves.
Why did they discontinue Kotex tampons?
The decision to discontinue U by Kotex® Security tampons was strictly a business decision. Security fans can check out the rest of the Security product line up, including pads and liners, at their favorite retail outlet.
Did OB tampons go out of business?
Tampax Pearl, the top-selling brand, posted $178.6 million in sales. With Ultra o.b. gone for good, Allyn switched to Playtex tampons, which she said do not work as well for her. "I loved o.b. and their design," she said.
Can you wear a menstrual cup in jail?
Free feminine hygiene products (tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual sponges, menstrual cups, etc) are available to female inmates upon request. All correctional or detention facilities must have a policy for provision of a necessary number of hygiene products for female inmates and detainees.
Should pads and tampons be free?
Feminine products like pads and tampons should be free of charge. Women should not be charged for something they do not have a choice in nor should they be charged for going through a natural process of life. It is unethical to profit off of women by reducing their access to basic care.
Why are stores out of tampons?
Supply-chain challenges and an increase in sales have made it difficult to keep shelves stocked, the company stated. Edgewell, maker of Playtex tampons, told The Wall Street Journal that supply chain disruptions and a lack of raw materials may have impeded the company's ability to meet demand.
What items will be in short supply 2022?
4 Notable Product Shortages in 2022Groceries and Food. Empty shelves are becoming common in groceries across North America and Europe. ... Aluminum. One of the main reasons canned goods are harder to find in stores is the tight supply of aluminum, which is a major component in the manufacture of cans. ... Semiconductors. ... Tampons.
Why are period products so expensive?
Andre Schulten, the chief financial officer of Procter & Gamble, which manufactures Tampax, said on a recent earnings call that it has been “costly and highly volatile” to acquire the raw materials, such as cotton and plastic, that tampons are made of, according to The New York Times.
Why are OB tampons so hard to find?
The factory that makes all Playtex and O.B. tampons, according to Time, has reported severe staffing shortages—compounded by the fact that as a medical product, tampons have their production more heavily regulated.
How did ladies deal with periods in the 1500s?
Medieval women had two choices, much like we do today: she could find a way to catch the flow after it left her body, or find a way to absorb it internally. In our modern words, medieval women could use a makeshift pad or a makeshift tampon. Pads were made of scrap fabric or rags (hence, the phrase “on the rag”).
How did ladies deal with periods in the 1800s?
The 1800s: The First Disposable Napkin Until the 1880s, American and European women continued the DIY approach to period care. On its website, the Museum of Menstruation says that these women either made their own menstrual pads, bought washable pads, or opted to have their clothes absorb the blood.
Why can't I find Tampax Ultra tampons?
Procter & Gamble spokesperson Cheri McMaster recently told Time that the reason there is low supply of tampons from the company's popular brand Tampax is the fact that they started working with comedian Amy Schumer for their ad campaigns in 2020, which has caused demand for Tampax tampon products to boom.
Why feminine hygiene products should be free?
Offering free and accessible period products can help people who menstruate save upwards of $5,000 in their lifetimes, reduces stress on women's shelters, and reduces waste — especially if the products provided are eco-friendly!
20 Places Around the World Where Governments Provide Free Period Products
Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different, but having a period is a financial burden regardless of whether you have a light or a heavy flow. Unfortunately, many people who either can’t afford menstrual hygiene products or choose to save money to pay for other basic needs miss out on enriching life experiences like completing their education. Unsafe materials like toilet paper and rags too ...
'It cannot be this way': What is period poverty and how to solve it
“They don’t have sufficient funds to get period supplies, and therefore stay home from school,” said Eva Marie Carney, the founder of the Kwek Society, which helps educate and distribute menstrual products primarily to Native American youth.“When you understand that, you have to conclude that it cannot be this way.”
Why Menstrual Products Should be Free for All - Girls' Globe
One day, everyone will be free to experience their periods with dignity. I believe that this begins with access to free menstrual products for all.
Why are period products so expensive? - The Odyssey Online
The tampon tax is a coined term referring to the fact that pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and other period products are subject to value-added tax unique other goods that receive a tax exemption based on their classification as necessary.
Free tampons and the fight against period poverty | DW | 26.11.2020
According to a 2017 survey by Plan International, one in 10 girls in the UK do not have the money to buy pads or tampons. An estimated 14% create their own makeshift solutions.
How long do organic tampons last?
If you're on your heavier days, these highly absorbent organic tampons will do just the trick to keep you guarded for up to a full 8 hours.
Why do people turn away from tampons?
OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: Though tampons are some of the most popular period products on the market, people have started to turn away from them due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a fatal illness that is caused by the release of toxins from an overgrowth of bacteria.
How many reviews does the Menstrual Cup have?
This classic menstrual cup is what put these nifty reusable period products on the map, and it currently has over 18,000 spark ling reviews on Amazon.
Why grab a pair of undies?
Why grab a pair of these? Because they're reusable, sustainable, and you don't have to worry about insertion or removal. They also don't cause TSS, and you have a little more leeway with how long you can wear them: Depending on their absorbency and your flow, you usually can step into a pair of these undies and be covered all day long!.
Do organic tampons keep you covered?
If you're on the last few days of your period, or just have a naturally lighter flow, these organic tampons will keep you covered without causing excessive dryness or irritation.
Does a menstrual cup help with a lighter period?
If you have a lighter period or a low-positioned cervix, this menstrual cup will make things much easier. It's small enough to hold in your lightest flow and won't cause any pain.
Do menstrual cups come in different sizes?
Another bonus: Many menstrual cups come in different sizes to correlate with your flow , and although their price tag is a bit steeper than a box of tampons, their reusable concept will save you more dollar bills in the long run.
How can menstrual products be made affordable?
The solution that is normally advocated is for menstrual products be made affordable, for example by removing the “ tampon tax ”, or providing these free in schools and through food banks. Most programmes that distribute free menstrual products in high-income countries provide disposable pads or tampons, while in low-middle income countries disposable or reusable pads are preferred over tampons. Free and cheaper products are clearly necessary in some situations, and can manage short-term issues, but they will not solve what is a complex socio-economic issue.
What are the challenges of menstruation?
These might include a lack of products, toilets or disposal facilities, enduring pain, being bullied or being restricted from activities and locations. In high income countries these challenges are often referred to as “period poverty” ...
Why didn't Jane use reusable pads?
Jane didn’t have the information she needed to make an informed decision to use the pads. She had heard rumours that washable, reusable pads may increase risk of infection or even cancer. Her mother uses traditional cloths so wasn’t able to advise her. And when Jane got the pads out of the box, it wasn’t clear to her how they should be used. She was too embarrassed to ask at school so she put them back in the box under the bed and continued to skip class when she had her period.
Will the UK end period poverty?
Donors across the globe are increasingly distributing funds to end period poverty, which is fantastic news. The UK government recently announced its campaign to end “period poverty” globally by 2030. But it is key that these programmes are directed towards evidence-based solutions – which are likely to involve more than supplying girls with pads. Understanding and addressing the root causes of period poverty is the only thing that will allow us to move towards a period positive environment for everyone who menstruates.
Did Mariam have her period?
They refused to sit next to her because of fears that they would be contaminated by her. The teachers ignored what was happening. They were really embarrassed by the whole situation and didn’t know how to respond. Mariam’s mother was not sympathetic as she had always told her to stay away from men and boys during her period. Unfortunately for Mariam, having a period was incompatible with realising her full potential. She skipped class every month and her grades suffered.
What did people use before their period?
Long before period underwear and disposable products like Kotex were available, people simply bled into their clothes or used homemade flannel cloths if flows were particularly heavy. Women often stuffed rags that were then washed and reused later (hence the phrase “being on the rag”).
How long do menstrual cups last?
Menstrual cups, however, are reusable, long-lasting silicone cups that hold blood and prevent leaks. Buy it once and it should last several years. There’s a learning curve, so try it on days you'll be home, and you may have to try a few before you find your perfect one.
How much are Bambody menstrual cups?
Bambody's menstrual cups ($15) are also great. You won't get as many customization options as with the MeLuna (there are only two size options, small and large), and you may have to fidget with it to get it folded right for the best comfort, but it's cheaper. Photograph: Nixit.
What grade was it when girls were whisked away to watch a video about periods, pads, and t?
One afternoon when I was in fourth grade, the girls were whisked away to watch a video about periods, pads, and tampons. That's about where my public education on menstruation began and ended—a secret discussion that boys couldn't be privy to. It was, from that moment forward, ingrained in us that it is somehow embarrassing to get your period.
Is it scary to have your period?
It isn't , of course, and some of us at WIRED talked at length about our period flows and habits, and tested new menstrual products to find the best budget- and eco-friendly alternative methods. It can be scary to try something new, but it's actually a perfect time to switch things up, since the pandemic has created a homebound reality for a lot of us. If you're remote learning or working from home, you won't have to worry about being uncomfortable or potentially leaking in public until you've got a system down.
Does birth control help with spotting?
Birth control can help shorten periods and reduce some of the monthly symptoms. It's important to take it on time every day, otherwise it could throw your cycle off, cause spotting, and lower your protection against pregnancy. I have an alarm set on my phone, but there are times when I'll turn it off and forget about it until hours later.
Is period subscription good?
Period subscription services are not the huge money savers I thought they'd be, but they're convenient and are often customizable. They can offer peace of mind too. You don't have to worry about stocking up before that time of the month. And since the pandemic isn't going away anytime soon, it's one less reason to step into a store.
How long do menstrual cups last?
Menstrual cups like the Mooncup, Intimina and Diva Cup have enjoyed a stratospheric rise in popularity in part for their economical benefits (one menstrual cup for around £20 will last up to 10 years), but also for the fact they are completely zero-waste.
What are reusable period pants made of?
Alongside reusable applicators and menstrual cups, there's also reusable period pants, which are made of intelligent, hyper-absorbent and anti-microbial fabric , which you simply pop in the washing machine after a day's use, ready for the next day. Thinx is arguably the market-leader in mainstream period pants.
How many tampons do women use?
You may not be aware, but it takes a tampon longer to degrade than the lifespan of the women who wears it and the average woman will use over 11,000 disposable, one-time-use menstrual products in her reproductive lifetime. That's a lot of tampons.
What is a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups are soft silicone devices that are easily inserted inside the vagina and collect blood. All you have to do is pull it out like you would a tampon, wash it, and re-insert. The non-porous silicone means it doesn't harbour bacteria, making it super safe and completely hygienic. Read next.
Is organic cotton a problem?
Organic cotton breaks down far more easily and therefore poses far less of a problem where the environment is concerned. It's all down to fact that certified organic tampons don't contain the synthetic materials found in other tampons. including rayon, plastics and artificial absorbents that are non-biodegradable.
How to choose period protection?
If you're looking to try something new for your period protection, there are a few factors to consider to find your flow's best match, says New York-based gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, M.D. For starters, think about whether you tend to have heavy or light periods (or somewhere in between). You may also want to think about how much you want to spend, the environmental impact of these products, and of course, how comfortable they are to use and wear. To help you narrow down your choices, take a look at this guide on the different types of period products on the market right now, plus the top options in each category, according to reviewers and our own testing.
Why do people use disks for their period?
Some people prefer disks for easier insertion and removal (because they don't have that suction effect), and because they can offer a shield for your period when you want to have sex — unlike menstrual cups, which you need to take out pre-intercourse, says Dr. Dweck. Instagram. saaltco Verified. 55.2K followers.
How much will the menstrual cup market be in 2026?
Menstrual cups have gone more mainstream, thanks to a move toward more environmentally-friendly products and an uptick in available options — even from major tampon brand Tampax. In fact, the menstrual cup market is expected to reach $963 million by 2026, up from $632 million in 2018, according to Allied Market Research.
Why are menstrual cups so earth friendly?
The earth-friendly draw of menstrual cups comes from the fact that you can use most cups for years, taking away the waste and carbon footprint that comes from daily disposal of pads and tampons (many of which are still being made with synthetics, which take far longer to degrade).
How many tampons can a Maxi pad hold?
Aisle Reusable Maxi Pad. These cute, colorful pads work on your heaviest days — they can hold up to four tampons-worth of liquid. To enhance the leak-proof factor, they also have wings on the side that snap underneath your underwear so the pad doesn't shift around throughout the day and wicks away wetness for hours.
How to clean a menstrual cup?
To be clear: You should clean your menstrual cup after every use, either by rinsing it with hot water or using a mild, oil-free, and fragrance-free soap. When choosing a menstrual cup, it's best to go with one that's made of medical-grade silicone, which is bacteria-resistant, explains Dr. Dweck.
What to do if you have a yeast infection after your period?
If you regularly experience irritation, odor, or yeast or bacterial infections every month after your period, talk to your doctor about whether your choice in feminine hygiene products could be to blame. Your doc may suggest giving organic tampons or pads a try.
How much waste do menstrual pads add up to?
For people who menstruate, single-use products like pads and tampons can add up to thousands of pounds of waste. National Geographic estimates that menstruating individuals go through up to 15,000 tampons and pads in a lifetime, most of which end up in a landfill.
How long does a reusable menstrual cup last?
The Reusable Menstrual Cup ($33) comes in three sizes to accommodate different bodies and can last up to 10 years (!) with proper care, making it a smart pick for the environment and your budget. The cup and case are available individually or as part of a set, but you won't want to miss out on some kind of storage for your cup—it's that protective shield that makes the cup last so long.
What are menstrual cups?
Cheaper and more comfortable than tampons (in my opinion, anyway!), menstrual cups were one of the first major tampon alternatives to break into the menstruation market. Period activist brand Lunette improved on the product with lightweight, medical-grade silicon in a number of cheerful colors that can stay in place for up to 12 hours. Additionally, Lunette has a line of cup accessories like wipes for sanitizing on the go, carry-all bags, cleansers, travel kits, and even PMS-relieving essential oils that completely take the guesswork out of getting started with sustainable menstruation.
What is the most wasteful part of a tampon?
The most wasteful part of single-use tampons isn't the cotton insert that's actually used to absorb blood—it's the dense plastic applicators that stay preserved in landfills for 500 hundred years before decomposing. Many period-havers, though, prefer or need the easy, gliding guidance of an applicator. DAME. is solving both problems with their top-rated, self-sanitizing, reusable tampon applicator. With a lifetime guarantee, the mediprene applicator can be loaded with loose tampons for mess-free application without waste. The best part is the patented StringLock, which stops your tampon string from snagging and slipping. If you've ever dealt with the panic of "losing" a tampon up there, you know just how crucial the string feature is.
Is the menstruation industry sustainable?
But just as other sectors like construction, food, and beauty fight to become more sustainable and less wasteful, the multibillion-dollar menstruation industry is following with eco-friendly alternatives to traditional tampons and plastic-packed pads that are as good for you as they are for the Earth.
1. A starter menstrual cup perfect for anyone who's been thinking about making the switch but hasn't yet. This comfortable silicone cup even has a removal loop so taking it out will be as easy as 1-2-3!
Promising review: "I have always been intrigued by menstrual cups, but was a bit fearful as they seemed complex to use. I didn't know which one to choose, and after some research into quality and the best cups for first time users, I got the Lily Cup One. I'm on my second cycle using it, and I feel like a pro.
2. An adjustable heating pad you can use to target your cramp pains and melt them away. And feel free to take a nap with this on since it'll automatically turn off after two hours
Promising review: "This is such a lifesaver for menstrual cramps. It heats up super fast, and I appreciate there’s a timer so I don’t accidentally leave it on for too long. I've recommended to all my friend and family." — Amazon Customer
4. A heated Shiatsu massager with three speeds and eight deep-kneading massage nodes so aching and sore muscles will be a thing of your past
Promising review: "I got this because about once a month, I get serious cramps and knots in my shoulders. I am really impressed at how effective it is! It's like having someone do focused deep tissue work. I rarely take the time to write reviews, but this was worth it." — Sally
5. A set of three tri-density stress balls so you'll have a safe place to exorcise any pain you might be feeling while also working to strengthen your joints. Dare I say win-win?
Promising review: "The three different resistances of the balls make for a nice selection, and the fabric is high quality. I can tell it won't rip or tear. These are the nicest stress balls I own. I would recommend!" — James Wazam
6. A beginner's Gaiam yoga kit because getting your body moving and endorphins flowing might just help fight those cramps (and that pesky bloating)
This ~balanced~ kit comes with a yoga mat, a yoga block, a yoga strap, and a beginner's DVD.
8. An aromatherapy roll-on migraine stick to target those period-induced headaches. Its blend of essential oils will make you think you've treated yourself to a spa day (which you should)
Promising review: "After reading an article on BuzzFeed that touted this product, I bought one for my boyfriend who suffers from awful, frequent headaches. It WORKS. Not only does he swear by it, he has purchased them for his Mom and several friends. FANTASTIC." — SarahElizabeth
11. A set of five leakproof period underwear from Knix because the last thing anyone should have to worry about during a heavy flow is whether their sheets or (very white) pants have blown their cover
This set comes with: two pairs of Super Leakproof Underwear, two pairs of Leakproof Underwear, and one pair of Dream Shorts.
How can menstrual products be made affordable?
The solution that is normally advocated is for menstrual products be made affordable, for example by removing the “ tampon tax ”, or providing these free in schools and through food banks. Most programmes that distribute free menstrual products in high-income countries provide disposable pads or tampons, while in low-middle income countries disposable or reusable pads are preferred over tampons. Free and cheaper products are clearly necessary in some situations, and can manage short-term issues, but they will not solve what is a complex socio-economic issue.
What are the challenges of menstruation?
These might include a lack of products, toilets or disposal facilities, enduring pain, being bullied or being restricted from activities and locations. In high income countries these challenges are often referred to as “period poverty” ...
Why didn't Jane use reusable pads?
Jane didn’t have the information she needed to make an informed decision to use the pads. She had heard rumours that washable, reusable pads may increase risk of infection or even cancer. Her mother uses traditional cloths so wasn’t able to advise her. And when Jane got the pads out of the box, it wasn’t clear to her how they should be used. She was too embarrassed to ask at school so she put them back in the box under the bed and continued to skip class when she had her period.
Will the UK end period poverty?
Donors across the globe are increasingly distributing funds to end period poverty, which is fantastic news. The UK government recently announced its campaign to end “period poverty” globally by 2030. But it is key that these programmes are directed towards evidence-based solutions – which are likely to involve more than supplying girls with pads. Understanding and addressing the root causes of period poverty is the only thing that will allow us to move towards a period positive environment for everyone who menstruates.
Did Mariam have her period?
They refused to sit next to her because of fears that they would be contaminated by her. The teachers ignored what was happening. They were really embarrassed by the whole situation and didn’t know how to respond. Mariam’s mother was not sympathetic as she had always told her to stay away from men and boys during her period. Unfortunately for Mariam, having a period was incompatible with realising her full potential. She skipped class every month and her grades suffered.
