Since their introduction in 1939, the modern tampon has been described as sinful by clergymen, taxable by politicians, and a lifesaver by menstruators all over the world.

But behind the humble tampon lies a much more complex story, with menstruators today facing multiple challenges, from period poverty and period shaming to a greater understanding than ever of the environmental impact of our plastic period waste. Zero Waste Scotland found that 27.5 million single-use period products are disposed of every year in Scotland. But with 6% of the population (3,150,000 adults) in the UK experiencing hygiene poverty and 1 in 10 experiencing period poverty, what are we supposed to do? And are period products an essential plastic after all?

In the UK alone, an average of five period products are washed up on every 100m of beach and with one pad taking up to 500 years to break down, that figure is set to rise. Debbie Gallacher, who runs the zero-waste business, Love Your Planet, recorded that on the museum’s local beach at Broughty Ferry, on average at least four pads, panty-liners and backing strips, and at least one tampon and applicator were found every 100m. These are eye-opening statistics.

The pads and applicator tampons found on the shelves of everyday shops are the most streamlined and readily available and are a lifesaver for many people who feel embarrassed because they have their period. Sadly, much of this embarrassment comes from decades of oppression towards women which is only now being dismantled – slowly but surely. All of which isn’t helped by the 51% of people who, according to period product giant THINX, said it was inappropriate for women to speak openly about their periods.

In August 2022, the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act was introduced in Scotland which made it law for public buildings, local authorities and places of education to provide period products free of charge. So now it’s becoming easier than ever to go into the bathroom and help yourself to products, making them accessible to everyone.

Access to quality period products is a right, not a privilege. We are proud to work in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland to stock local Scottish enterprise, Hey Girls’ reusable period products in our bathrooms, free for anyone to pick up.

By increasing accessibility to free period products in a safe space it is hoped menstruators will feel less pressured and more at ease when it comes to experiencing their monthly cycle. But, with pads on average being 90% plastic (the equivalent of 5 plastic carrier bags)1, should we be looking to an alternative that is less damaging to the environment?

Enter the reusable and organic: cloth pads, cotton tampons, silicone menstrual cups and medical-grade reusable applicators, designed to alleviate some of the 427.5 million pieces of plastic period waste1 produced in the UK each year. Cloth pads for example, produced from all-natural materials, are more absorbent, and if taken care of, can be used month after month, and even year after year, with no sign of wear. Menstrual cups, if taken care of, can last up to 10 years. And by making the switch from tampons to a menstrual cup, you can reduce the associated carbon footprint of your period products by nearly 90%1.

So what’s the hitch? As is always the case with innovative new products, these alternatives are currently more than double the price of the standard high street equivalent. Most can only be sourced online or in specialist retail outlets.

The upkeep of caring for reusable period products can also be unattainable in the long run. Reusable pads require regular washing and menstrual cups need to be boiled regularly. Along with the rising cost of energy, this is also an issue for those with limited access to hot water. So, despite being better for the environment and cheaper in the long run, it isn’t the best solution for everyone as these alternatives are inaccessible to those experiencing period poverty.

So, what to do – the answer is as complex as the issue itself.

With some of us being able to start using alternatives, we can play our part in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. Local authorities across Scotland are starting to introduce reusables through the Period Products Act, from menstrual cups to cloth pads, available for pickup and delivery. This positive action will go a long way to support those who want to help the environment and provide a way for people to positively experience their cycle.

On top of this, global petitions are calling for large, well-known brands to remove plastic from their products. These are gaining popularity and will hopefully help reduce the cost for the average consumer in these unprecedented times.

The final question is: are period products an essential plastic? For now, to many, they are. But its not all doom and gloom. With the support of local authorities and free to access reusable schemes, the hope is that over time periods can become plastic free. Some people can only use plastic products, and for now some people are just more comfortable with them. But by giving everyone the option to benefit from reusable products, we can vastly reduce the waste polluting our environment, work towards eradicating period poverty and promote period dignity, rather than shame.

Something certainly needs to change… these are simply bleedin’ essentials!

Access to quality period products is a right, not a privilege. We are proud to work in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland to stock local Scottish enterprise, Hey Girls’ reusable period products in our bathrooms, free for anyone to pick up.