Breaking the Flushing Habit: How Period Waste Impacts the Planet
We get it. You’re in a public toilet, there’s no bin in sight, and the easiest option is right there—flush. But here’s the truth: flushing period products is doing real, long-term damage to our planet.
With World Earth Day on the horizon, there’s no better time to stop and ask: what impact are our habits having—and what small changes can make a big difference?
Spoiler alert: ditching the flush is one of them.
The Environmental Cost of Flushing Period Products
Let’s start with the numbers.
In the UK alone, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down the toilet every single day. That’s not just a plumbing problem—it’s a pollution problem.
Most pads and tampons contain up to 90% plastic. When flushed, they don’t just disappear. They travel through sewer systems, contributing to:
-
Blockages and fatbergs
-
Sewage overflows
-
Microplastics in rivers, oceans and marine life
And those plastic particles? They don’t biodegrade for hundreds of years.
So while it might feel like a convenient fix in the moment, flushing is a habit that causes lasting harm to our waterways and wildlife.
What’s Actually Inside Your Period Products?
Period products often look soft, white, and cottony—but don’t be fooled. Many mainstream products are packed with:
-
Plastic applicators
-
Polyethylene backings
-
Synthetic fibres and chemical treatments
That combo might feel secure, but it’s far from eco-friendly. Even the wrappers are often made of plastic-coated materials that don’t break down. When flushed, these components release microplastics into the water—and we know where that ends up: in our rivers, oceans, and food chain.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Responsible period care starts with proper disposal. But the reality is, bins aren’t always available—especially in public toilets, sports venues, workplaces, and schools.
That’s where the real barrier lies. When no bin is provided, flushing becomes the default. And until disposal is made easier, the habit will continue.
FabLittleBag: The Eco-Friendly Alternative That Makes It Easy
At FabLittleBag, we created a solution for exactly this moment—the one where you’re in a cubicle with no bin, and a decision to make.
Our period disposal bags are:
-
Leak-proof, sealable and discreet
-
Made from renewable sugarcane, cornstarch & recycled plastic
-
Designed for one-handed opening—yep, even mid-squat
-
Fully recyclable in energy recovery waste streams
And they fit perfectly in your handbag, gym bag, glove box, or pocket. Whether you're at home or out and about, FabLittleBag puts you in control, making it easy to bin responsibly, every time.
Small Changes Add Up
If you’ve ever flushed because there was no other option—we get it. But now you know, and that awareness is power.
This World Earth Day, we’re asking you to do one simple thing:
🚫 Ditch the flush.
✅ Bin better.
Because flushing is an old habit—and we’re here to help you break it for good.
Want to do your part for the planet?
Make the switch to FabLittleBag and be part of a cleaner, greener future—one bag at a time.