- 200,000 tonnes of period product waste is generated every year.[2]
- Tampons and pads are often flushed, causing sewage blockages and fatbergs.[3]
- 100,000 tonnes of nappy waste is created every year in London.[4]
Nappies, tampons, incontinence and period pads, unless explicitly stated, all include plastic. Manufacturers layer different materials to increase a product’s absorbency, but there are no statutory requirements or guidelines requiring them to list the materials in the different layers.
There are reusable alternatives, which reduce waste and fossil fuels and contribute to a circular economy, so what is stopping people from buying and using these products?
Tomorrow, the London Assembly Environment Committee will discuss the environmental impact of single-use absorbent products and the environmental benefits of reusable nappies and period products. What can the Mayor and local councils do to reduce the use and impact of these products? The guests are:
- Mandu Reid, Founder, The Cup Effect
- Alice Walker, Project Manager, Real Nappies for London
- Kate Metcalf, Co-Director, Women’s Environmental Network
- Martin Capstick, Managing Director, North London Waste Authority
- Tracy Stewart, Director General, Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association (via Skype call)
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 23 May from 10:15am in The Chamber (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE via webcast or YouTube.
Follow us and take part in the meeting discussion using #AssemblyEnv and #SingleUsePlastics
Notes to editors
- Full agenda papers.
- Women’s Environmental Network data.
- Ibid
- Real Nappies for London data.
- Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Environment Committee is available for interview. See contact details below.
- Environment Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.