to think plastic applicators for Tampax are disgraceful and unjustifiable?

[appropriatelytrained]

I sent DH to buy me a pack of tampons recently from the local shop. He came back with Tampax Compak (the only choice).

I'm no green activist, but I was shocked to see non-biodegradable, non-recyclable plastic applicators used for this product.

It seems to me that applicators are generally pretty unnecessary but to make them out of plastic just for convenience and comfort (Tampax's response to my query) makes them an unjustifiable vanity product.

Churning out plastic applicators for no genuine purpose when the company know (despite what they may say) that these products will end up flushed down the toilet, is disgraceful.

Right, I'll get off my soap box. I don't post here usually but I just felt really angered by this when so many companies are trying very hard to change the necessary packaging of their products, this company is producing unnecessary packaging without thought of consequence.

I use non-applicator, my sink has soap at it (fab invention soap-great for washing hands ) Think its much easier than faffing with applicators.

OP YANBU-I don't get the need for it either.

Not at all sure why menstrual blood is worse than nosebleed blood. In fact I would guess that from an infection / bad bacteria pov noses are far less hygienic than vaginas.

We have a slimy, bacteria-rich bodily fluid on our mouths every day - salive. What is so repelleant a bout menstrual blood?

I have absolutely no problem with menstrual blood or clots or sticking my fingers up my fanjo.

I still use applicators because the shape I am inside, that is what works. If they didn't exist, I'd have to use pads (which are if I understand it right a lot less eco-friendly).

Yes, clearly I should invest in a mooncup, but until I see that particular light, I'll keep going with applicators thanks.

Use applicators if you must but don't flush them.

I'm actually not that grossed out by other people's blood or bodily fluids -- just my own. I know it's not rational but it's incredibly visceral, the ewww I get.

sarah - yes, the clots thing, as the poster explainer further up. Its all very well preaching the joys of a paticular product, but women vary so much, you had no clue about clots, while i was sat on the loo for an hour the other day, because, frankly NO sanpro would be able to do with that situation, let alone a bloody washable pad.

Plus the point about the lenght of peoples fingers. Lesley has short fingers, as so i. Impossible to get on in properly without an applicator. Actually a cardboard tube is hard too. because of the shape and the angle i am inside.. (i go off at a funny angle) a plastic one, being a lot thinner, and easyer to slide in, works a lot better. And im sure im not the only one.

Period blood is gross. Its grosser if its massive clots that are inches long by inches wide and leave you feeling quite ill. Frankly a product thats going to make me able to deal with it a whole lot better is going to be welcomed.

And im sure im not the only woman.

Ah thanks scaredbear, I'm glad I'm not the only one!

YANBU
Government should slap an appropriate 'green' tax on those products that are not necessary me thinks.

Re tax - tampons already are taxed, but men's razors aren't. Pretty unfair!

That's ridiculous. Men don't need to shave.

they should use a sharpened flint, yes?

bloody men, so Un Green!

um, the plastic applicators aren't flushable - they go in the bin!

FWIW I have never seen an applicator tampon here in Germany. One simply has to Get Over It...

watchoutforthatsnail not preaching just explaining - you asked me
Sorry to hear that you are suffering so much - my periods are heavy in terms of blood loss - a mooncup measures it for those that are interested. but no I have not ever passed clots inches long by inches wide not even after giving birth. I am wondering what type of sanitary protection could even try to deal with that though ??

Well we are lucky to live in a place where we don't have to simply get over it cup.

Aren't we lucky, not to have to shove our fingers up our bloody fanjos if we don't want to.

Interesting thread because I thought the same when I bought them BUT I continue to buy them because like other, they are the only ones I can use.

I was suprised that they were plastic as it seems a backwards step. But they mean I can use tampons again which is very, very helpful.

I wouldnt dream of flushing them and assume they would float so they go in the bin with the rest of the rubbish.

No worse than plastic cutlery, plates, cups, etc etc surely?

I suppose we are women though and born to suffer

I also can´t get a tampon far enough up without an applicator.

My daughter started using them at 10 & also couldn´t get them far enough up.

Cup -I´m in Germany-use "Facelle" from Kloppenberg-used to use OB, but that´s about all I´ve ever seen.

Yes I'll give up my tampax when men start scraping their faces with rocks again.

well here's a thought for some of you, I had the free pearl tampons with applicator, liked the applicator didn't like the plastic idea or the price so I saved one and washed the applicator after use and use it for my non applicator and cheap supermarket brand tampon. job done.

I never flushed my tampons / towels or applicators, I used to wrap them in toilet paper and bin them. Suprised that people still flush them actually!

The plastic ones are smoother, although I managed with the cardboard ones. If was still having periods I'd probably compost them .

Is it just me that finds non applicator ones much easier to use? I mean you just stick them up, much easier than fiddling about with applicators and tubes. I find them the applicator ones really awkward.

I think the non applicator ones probably are easier-or less fuss-but if you can´t get them far enough up, you have to put up with the fuss of an applicator!

I was horrified when they brought out these things and would never use them. I often forego my own comfort/convenience in favour of environmental issues - like I don't drive everywhere even though sometimes it would be quicker and more comfortable, I don't use a tumble drier even though it would save me a lot of time...my 'preferences' would not come above my principles. If everyone who has posted on here in favour of the plastic bins and does not flush that is great news, but clearly from the evidence on the beaches lots of people do flush them, so I don't think they should be allowed. Sorry plastic-lovers!

Also think disposable razors should be taxed to the max or banned, by the way!

YANBU

In fact all the pro plastic posters are - how ridiculous..can't/won't use cardboard.....get over your-selfish-selves.

Let me clarify, you can all get a penis up you, but for some reason, a cardboard tube the width of a finger won't fit ???