Flushing pads, tampons, and sanitary related products down the toilet is seriously harming the environment.

Research has shown that the number of plastic-based menstrual products flushed down the toilet every day is polluting the ocean and having a detrimental effect on marine life. About 700,000 panty liners, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million sanitary towels are flushed down the toilet in the UK every day, according to data published by the Journal of the Institution of Environmental Sciences. Most menstrual products are made using plastic materials, and when flushed they end up in sewage systems where they take a long time to break down. The appropriate way to dispose of pads and tampons involves placing them in a bin, not flushing them down the toilet. However, according to this research, many people are unaware of how to properly get rid of their sanitary products. It takes approximately 500 years for one standard sanitary pad to break down. Similarly, one packet of pads contains the same amount of plastic as four plastic carrier bags. Groups promoting this research, The Marine Conservation Society and Natracare, are hoping to educate the public on the benefits of plastic-free menstrual products. They have said that choosing plastic-free allows people to care for the environment while looking after their health too. Alternatively, products like the Mooncup are also better for the environment as they eliminate the waste and cost of more popular sanitary products.