Tampons are designed to expand when they touch liquid, meaning when a tampon is flushed down a toilet, it can expand to multiple times the size of a dry tampon. This can create blockages in the sewerage system, which can not only be expensive to repair but also have serious health implications because of the backflow. Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down almost immediately after making contact with liquid, however, tampons are designed to hold together despite hours of contact with liquid.
“ Just really quickly” my boss says, his eyes flicking to the clock “In a few weeks it’ll be International Women's Day”.
I sighed internally. I really didn't have the energy for what was coming next.
“ Jan, be a sweetheart and get some cupcakes organised again?” He says to me, “We’ve budgeted about $300 for the office.”
A classmate leans over and casually says, "Hey, is it that time of the month or what?" This story underlies how language reveals our perception of menstruation. In this piece, I reflect on the significance of language in menstrual discourse based on my personal experiences.
Words by Millie Smith
Throughout recent years, we have learnt about the many downsides to single-use, plastic period products. Countless businesses have altered their product offerings to include reusable alternatives, perhaps even discontinuing the single-use product. Government regulations are ...