Workshop on Microplastics in Period Products

Ever wondered what your period products are made of or where they go when you are finished with them? Up to 90% of a single-use disposable period pad can be made of plastic and around 6% of a tampon and many single-use disposables contain residues of toxic chemicals and pesticides. Most end up in landfill or incinerated but of the 260m disposable period products used annually in Ireland about 700,000 are dumped or flushed down the toilet, blocking sewers as they go. The thing about plastic is that it never really goes away, it just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces – leaching any additives and acting like a sponge to any other toxic chemicals swelling around the oceans. Changing to reusable period products not only saves money but is better for your health and the environment. But if we can’t talk openly about periods then how can we address all the stigma and taboos around menstruation?