On average, a single woman may dispose of 11,000 tampons in her lifetime - contributing to the estimated 20 billion pads and tampons that are tossed into North American landfills each year. Pads and tampons contain nonrecyclable materials, and wrapped in their plastic wrappers, can take up to 800 years to decompose. Many organic tampons and pads still have hidden plastics and nonbiodegradable components that do not readily decompose.
What’s more - these estimations of degradation are based on lab conditions with sufficient oxygen circulation. In landfills, waste is tightly packed - so what actually happens to these products in landfill could be very different, as there is often a lack of oxygen making them unlikely to decompose. Plastic in disposable pads and tampons is polyethylene, which microorganisms do not recognize as food, so it does not decompose. Photodegradation, or the breakdown of materials by sunlight, also could play a role in the breakdown of plastics in landfills, but as they have very little light available for this process to occur, it is unlikely that these plastics can break down into smaller pieces in a landfill.
In a nutshell? Plastic period products are pretty trashy.
tampons are disposed of by the average woman in her lifetime
pads and tampons are added to north american landfills each year
is the time it takes for non-recyclable fem-care products to decompose
When a 2015 video filmed by marine conservation biologist, Christine Figgener, PhD.,of a sea turtle having a 10-12 cm plastic straw removed from it’s nostril went viral, it sparked outrage about plastic waste harming marine life. But what about plastic waste from period products?
Plastic tampon applicators are often found on beaches and are increasing at an alarming rate. The Marine Conservation Society reported a significant increase in menstrual products found during 2017 beach cleanups, with an average of 9 plastic applicators found per km on UK shores.
So, where does this trash go? Largely, it is ingested by wildlife. Plastic tampon applicators are one of the items most commonly found in the stomachs of dead seabirds. According to scientists, nearly every seabird in the world now contains plastic waste. And without drastic change, this trend will continue to harm wildlife.
Plastic applicators and other single-use period products may undergo photodegradation and break down into microplastics. Microplastics - tiny shards of plastic under 5 mm in size - are now found in nearly every corner of the ocean. Microplastic pollution from tampon applicators can pose a serious threat to marine life. A study of wildlife in the English Channel found that over one third of fish sampled contain microplastic. Not only can marine life ingest plastic, but it can break down into nanoplastics that can be absorbed by algae. Once plastic exists at these lower levels of the food chain, bioaccumulation of plastic can occur with the potential for harmful concentrations in larger organisms.
The process of creating disposable menstrual products triggers a chain reaction in the environment. A Life Cycle Assessment of tampons conducted by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that the processing of LDPE (low-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene) used in tampon applicators as well as in the plastic back-strip of a sanitary napkin requires high amounts of fossil fuel generated energy that contributes to global warming. How does this add up? Well, a year’s worth of a typical feminine hygiene product leaves a carbon footprint of 5.3 kg CO2 equivalents. That’s the equivalent of driving a car 13.2 miles, burning 6 lbs of coal, or charging your smartphone 676 times over.
We’re all trying to do a little more each day to protect Mother Earth - and now there’s Proof: reusable, really (really) leak proof® undies that keep single-use plastics out of landfills… while keeping you dry and protected. You don’t need to compromise style, comfort, or protection to be more green. Switching to Proof undies to replace pantyliners, pads, tampons, and bladder leak disposables is a little change that makes a world of difference.
The ultimate in leak protection
A classic silhouette with discreet leak protection
Eliminate panty lines and light leaks
Basic made better, protection from all kinds of leaks
Invisible protection for life's little leaks
Super absorbent and powerful leak protection
Cheeky style with built-in leak protection
A leak-resistant undie that smooths and soothes with light compression in all the right places.
Fully covered, fully comfortable.
Finally, a bra made for boob sweat!
Smooth, seamless support for all day comfort.
Nothing should cramp your style.
A little extra beauty for your booty
Care for your pair made easy
Vintage style with powerful protection
Travel laundry woes, begone.
Leak Proof® Power + Breastfeeding Access
With a pair for every flow, you’ll be able to find your Proof™-perfect fit.
Our Patented Leak-Loc™ technology keeps you leak-free learn more
Light
Moderate
Heavy
Super-Heavy
Proof™ provides serious protection from bladder leaks, without added bulk.
Discrete protection with room to accommodate your growing bump.
Super-Light
Designed with new moms in mind, leak protection without the bulk.
Go ahead, break a sweat. Our moisture-wicking fabric also reduces odor.
heavy
super-heavy
Undercover protection for every day of the week.
Perfect for daily discharge, Proof™ keeps you fresh and dry.
For in-between days, these undies keep you spotless all day long.
Holds up to 1 Light Tampon or Panty Liner
panty liner replacement
sweat
discharge
light spotting
odor reduction
Holds up to 1 Regular Tampon or 2 Teaspoons
spotting
light period leaks
Holds up to 3 Regular Tampons or 6 Teaspoons
moderate period leaks
light bladder leaks
replace or back up a tampon, pad, or cup
Holds up to 4 Regular Tampons or 8 Teaspoons
moderate bladder leaks
heavy period leaks
replace a pad
replace or back up a tampon or cup
Holds up to 5 Regular Tampons or 10 Teaspoons
maximum overnight period protection
Your hip and waist measurements are the most important size when finding the perfect fit.
Measure around your body as shown.
Find your waist measure by leaning over to one side. Where your body naturally creases is your where you will place the tape. Measure parallel to the ground.
For your hip measurement, turn to the side and locate the fullest part of your booty. Place the tape around your body, parallel to the floor, around the widest and fullest part of your hips and tush.
If your measurements fall into different size categories, your hip measurement will be most accurate.