How wasteful are pads and tampons?

In the United States alone, approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year. While many of these products end up in a landfill, others clog sewers or contribute to the staggering amount of plastics in our oceans.

Why do tampons cost money?

Even though tampons and other period products are an essential need for women, consumers still have to pay a sales tax on them in 35 states. The average sales tax in the US is 5\%, so a $7 box of tampons will cost about 35 cents in taxes. They may also have less free time to scour around for the best prices.

Why do people want tampons to 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!

Are tampons now cheaper?

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the tax applied to sanitary products, nicknamed the “tampon tax”, has been abolished. Women’s rights campaigners have been fighting for years to put an end to the tax, and it means sanitary towels and tampons will now be cheaper in the UK.

Are period undies better for the environment?

A 2016 CHOICE study found menstrual cups and period underwear have minimal impact on the environment compared to tampons and pads. Disposables products can have a big impact on landfill — every pad takes around 500-800 years to biodegrade.

How many tampons end up in landfill?

Most menstrual pads are made from 90\% plastic. Plastic products can take up to a thousand years to decompose in landfills or in the ocean. Half of UK women flush tampons away​. It has been estimated that 1.5-2 billion menstrual items are flushed down Britain’s toilets each year.

Why are tampons sold out?

Amazon and other sellers have run out of tampons as coronavirus fears sell out online stores. Amazon is out of stock of the major brands of tampons, and most of the lesser-known brands, with wait times of a week to several weeks.

Are tampons more expensive than pads?

They’re more cost-effective in the long run. They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. They’re available to buy in different sizes and absorbencies. They’re more flexible and less bulky than most pads.

Which country has free tampons?

Scotland
1. Scotland. In November 2020, Scotland became the first country to provide tampons and sanitary pads to anyone who needs them. Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon led the effort through the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill.

Is there still a tampon tax?

The tampon tax is not a special tax levied directly on feminine hygiene products. Since about 2004, many countries have abolished or reduced sales taxes for tampons and pads, including Kenya, Canada, India, Colombia, Australia, Germany and Rwanda.

How much tax do you pay on tampons?

The tampon tax is the name given to VAT charged on women’s sanitary products including tampons, pads and towels. The rate is currently five per cent, compared with 20 per cent VAT on most products and services, while some essential items such as food are exempt or zero-rated.

How much waste do tampons create?

Tampons, pads, and panty liners, their packaging, and wrapping generate more than 200,000 metric tons of waste annually. What’s more, plastic and non-compostable materials in period products can take 500 to 800 years to decompose.

How many tampons does it cost to use in a lifetime?

If one tampon is used every 6 hours and 4 tampons are used every day, we are looking at 20 tampons for every 5-day menstrual cycle totaling 9,120 tampons in your life. If one box costs $7, and there are 36 tampons per box, the cost for a lifetime equals $1,773.33.

Do you have to pay sales tax on tampons?

Even though tampons and other period products are an essential need for women, consumers still have to pay a sales tax on them in 35 states. The average sales tax in the US is 5\%, so a $7 box of tampons will cost about 35 cents in taxes.

What is the best tampon brand to buy?

Among applicator tampons, we like Tampax Pearl and Tampax Pure (an organic choice) best. O.B. Pro Comfort and O.B. Organic tampons are our favorite applicator-free options. We aren’t sure of everything that’s in most tampons, including some that we recommend. Really.

Are tampons legal in the US?

Before any tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must go through the FDA’s review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons.