The Shocking Truth About Period Pollution & Marine Life
When we think about what pollutes our oceans, we often picture plastic bottles, straws, and discarded fishing nets. But there’s a hidden threat that’s being flushed into our waterways every single day: period products.
It’s a topic that rarely makes headlines, yet it’s one with devastating consequences for marine life—and one we can all do something about.
Let’s dive into the shocking truth about period pollution, why it matters, and how small disposal changes can make a big difference.
What’s the Problem With Period Products?
Many tampons and pads contain up to 90% plastic—in the absorbent core, the string, the backing, and the wrappers.
The UK alone sees an estimated 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads flushed every single day.
Flushing may seem convenient, but those products don’t magically break down. Instead, they:
- Block sewer systems
- Get pushed through wastewater plants
- And eventually make their way into our rivers, seas, and oceans
Once there, they cause harm in more ways than one.
How Period Pollution Harms Marine Life
Here’s the stark reality:
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Tampons, pads and applicators break into microplastics, which are ingested by fish, seabirds, turtles and whales.
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Larger pieces of period waste entangle marine animals, causing injury, stress, or even death.
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Plastic fibres from period products contribute to the growing problem of microplastic pollution, which has now been found in 95% of UK beaches and in the bodies of animals across the food chain.
What starts with a quick flush or careless bin decision ends up having an impact on ecosystems for hundreds of years.
Flushing Isn’t Harmless — It’s Habit
So why does this keep happening?
Lack of education: Many people simply don’t know the impact flushing has.
Poor bathroom design: Many public toilets lack bins in cubicles, leaving people with no easy alternative.
Shame & stigma: Periods are still taboo. Some people flush to avoid embarrassment, especially in shared or public spaces.
But here’s the truth: your toilet isn’t a bin—and it definitely isn’t a gateway to the ocean.
The Importance of Proper Disposal
To tackle period pollution, proper disposal is key.
That means:
✔ Binning products, not flushing them
✔ Using disposal solutions that are hygienic, discreet and accessible
✔ Educating workplaces, schools and public venues to provide better facilities and awareness
Because if we want cleaner oceans, we need to start with better bins—and better habits.
How FabLittleBag Helps Protect Marine Life
At FabLittleBag, we’re passionate about breaking the flushing habit—one bag at a time.
Our mission? To make period disposal so easy and guilt-free that nobody ever feels the need to flush again.
FabLittleBag:
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Is made from 60% plant-based materials (sugarcane & cornstarch) and 30% recycled plastic
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Seals tight, locks in odour and leaks
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Makes hygienic binning simple in any toilet
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Encourages workplaces, gyms, schools and venues to provide Period Supportive facilities
Small changes = big impact. Every FabLittleBag used is one less tampon or pad flushed. One less piece of plastic harming marine life. One more step toward a cleaner planet.
Your Period. Your Planet. Your Choice.
We all have the power to reduce period pollution—by talking openly about it, by advocating for better disposal options, and by choosing to bin responsibly.
🌊 Our oceans are worth it.
🐢 Marine life is worth it.
🩸 And your peace of mind is worth it, too.
Ready to ditch the flush?
Shop FabLittleBag and bin better today