ffect wildlife and plant life.
Some eye-opening statistics:
• Every year, approximately 45 billion disposable menstrual products are discarded worldwide, creating an unmanageable mountain of waste.
• Nearly 90% of sanitary pads are made of plastic, making them one of the most common waste items found in landfills and oceans.
• It’s estimated that a tampon or pad takes between 500 and 800 years to fully decompose, contributing to the plastic pollution that is suffocating biodiversity.
• In the U.S. alone, around 12 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded annually, most ending up in landfills or the ocean.
The Consequences for Wildlife and Flora
Plastic waste from disposable pads and tampons poses a direct threat to marine and terrestrial wildlife. Many animals mistakenly ingest these microplastics, disrupting their metabolism and often leading to their death.
- Oceans are particularly affected. Each year, more than 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, with menstrual products contributing significantly. Tampons, pads, and their packaging are frequently found in the stomachs of fish, turtles, seabirds, and other marine creatures.
• Microplastics from the breakdown of these products enter the marine food chain, affecting not only animals but also humans who consume contaminated seafood.
• Sea turtles and birds, such as albatrosses, are often found dead with pieces of plastic, including tampon and pad residues, in their stomachs, unable to digest the waste.
In addition to polluting the oceans, disposable menstrual products disrupt terrestrial ecosystems. Landfills, where most of these products end up, are ticking ecological time bombs.
Reusable Menstrual Underwear: A Sustainably Responsible Alternative
Sublime reusable menstrual underwear provides a practical and effective solution to this ecological disaster. They help reduce menstruation-related waste to zero for several years and do not require non-biodegradable plastic materials. By opting for Sublime, you help decrease the relentless flow of plastic choking the planet.
- Zero waste: By choosing reusable underwear, you help reduce the accumulation of plastic waste.
• Durable materials: Sublime uses high-quality fabrics that are not only durable but also eco-friendly.
• Long-term positive impact: A woman who uses reusable menstrual underwear can avoid discarding up to 12,000 disposable products throughout her lifetime.
The Economic Aspect: Less Spending, More Savings
In addition to the environmental benefits, Sublime reusable menstrual underwear is a smart economic investment. While purchasing tampons and pads requires recurring monthly expenses, a set of reusable menstrual underwear can be used for years.
- Potential savings: A woman spends an average of $100 to $300 per year on disposable menstrual products. In comparison, investing in Sublime reusable menstrual underwear can save this amount annually.
• Durability: Each piece of underwear is designed to last up to 5 years, resulting in substantial long-term savings.
Subsidies in Quebec: Financial Support to Ease the Transition
• In Quebec, several initiatives encourage the adoption of reusable menstrual products by offering subsidies to women. These programs are part of a broader effort to reduce waste and support women’s health. For example, some municipalities offer grants to cover part of the cost of purchasing reusable menstrual underwear.
• These financial aids help reduce the initial cost of these sustainable products, making the transition to eco-friendly alternatives easier. Sublime menstrual underwear is eligible for these subsidies, helping not only to protect the planet but also to reduce personal expenses.
These initiatives are part of a broader movement to fight menstrual poverty and promote sustainable alternatives for all women in Canada.
Conclusion: Choose Sublime for a Positive Impact
By choosing Sublime reusable menstrual underwear, you actively contribute to protecting the environment while saving money. This choice significantly reduces plastic waste, protects wildlife and flora, and supports an eco-friendly and responsible approach. Make a difference for the planet and your wallet—choose Sublime.
Références :
- National Geographic – “How tampons and pads are exposing the plastic problem.”
- Women’s Environmental Network – “Tampon and sanitary pad usage and the plastic problem.”
- The Guardian – “Menstrual products’ environmental impact.”
- Ocean Conservancy – “Annual waste statistics of menstrual products in the US.”
- National Geographic – “The impact of 8 million tons of plastic in our oceans.”
- Greenpeace – “Marine life and the problem with plastic pollution.”
- WWF – “Plastic microfibers: a growing threat to marine life.”
- Ocean Conservancy – “How plastic pollution is killing marine life.”
- BBC News – “The environmental impact of single-use menstrual products.”
- The Guardian – “The real cost of menstruation.”