In 2018 the threat of plastic pollution and its adverse effects on the environment gained huge media coverage.  Period products are no exception, with many becoming aware for the first time just like me that the tampons and pads that we had been using for years contained high amounts of plastic. That’s why I took a stand against period plastic last year by starting a petition, which calls on key manufacturers and supermarkets to go plastic-free. Taking on these large multinational companies is a huge task, but one I am willing to take on; as the environment is at stake!

These products can contain up to 90% plastic, are constantly manufactured and discarded, with an estimated 100 billion disposed of annually worldwide; nearly all of which contain plastics! They can enter rivers and oceans and end up on beaches. In fact, a report by the European Commission found that period items are the fifth most common waste washed up on beaches!

This happens when they are incorrectly flushed down toilets, and shockingly an estimated up to 2 billion tampons, pads and applicators are flushed in the UK annually! This pollutes and negatively impacts the environment and contributes to ocean plastic, which kills around 1 million sea birds and 100,000 sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish yearly. Overtime their plastic content disintegrates into smaller pieces, known as micro-plastics and fibres, which pose a further threat to marine-life and ecosystems.

They also contribute to over 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste every year, however, any not sent to landfill may be incinerated with the potential to release toxins due to their high plastic and synthetic content. But no matter where they end up, whether at the bottom of the sea, in landfill or on a beach, they will remain there for hundreds of years and pose constant danger to animals and birds.

Plastic applicators are another major issue stemming from the period industry. They are found so often on beaches that many have nicknamed them ‘beach whistles’. Applicators are used for a matter of seconds and should never be made from a material that takes centuries to decompose. There is no excuse for this excessive use of plastic when there are environmentally-friendly alternatives such as cardboard applicators or non-applicator tampons! That’s why this year I’m saying “See ya later plastic applicator!“ and why I’m determined to make 2019 the year of the plastic-free period. ​

The issue of period plastic is incredibly important because the harmful impacts they are having on the environment, oceans and wildlife is completely avoidable, certainly as there are companies who have produced eco-friendly alternatives since the 80’s. Therefore, it is evident that their plastic content is unnecessary, and this is why over 107,000 have signed the petition and continue to act because it is obvious that change must happen.  
 
Last year we called upon Tesco and Sainsbury’s to take responsibility by removing plastic from their period care and to make eco-friendly options available in-store. Our actions paid off. By standing up together and making our voices heard, they could not ignore consumer demand and both supermarkets responded by stocking a range of eco-friendly period care, including reusable cups, nationwide!  
 
I've stepped things up in 2019, and kicked this year of action off by tackling two major period brands. The action on Lil-Lets has just taken place but next week I will be calling on Procter and Gamble who own Tampax and Always - regarding their needless use of plastic applicators and the wider issue of plastic in their tampons, pads and packaging!

Join me in taking action by signing and following updates, so that we can make 2019 the year of change; the ‘Year of the Plastic-Free Period!’

I put the last item into my box yesterday which means that Eco Period Box 2018 has come to an end but what an incredible of month it has been! It has received fantastic media coverage and has been featured in a shop and at a festival in December which helped collect even more donations and start conversations about the issue of period poverty and the individuals it wrongly impacts. 

Countless individuals and companies got involved with giving and I would like to thank everyone who joined me in taking action for good in December whether you donated to your local period poverty charity or food bank or made a donation online! 

Altogether with the donations sent to me and pictures posted online combined we have collected:

• 835 tampons and 3,339 pads and pantyliners which will help supply 189 individuals with the essentials they need!
• 33 reusable pads which will support 6 individuals for 6 years with their periods - a total of 432!
• 6 menstrual cups which will support 6 individuals for 10 years with their periods - a total of 720!

Over the next few weeks I will be taking donations to various charities and food banks, you will be able to see these on all my social media platforms or by searching for #EcoPeriodBox! 
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Thank you for your support with Eco Period Action for Good! Eco Period Box 2018 has been completed but there are going to be regular updates throughout the year!