02.25.21
A single-use plastics ban has led to a tampon shortage in one of the world’s largest cities. On Jan. 1, Mexico City banned the use of single-use plastic materials such as bags, forks and straws, as part of the environmental policy agenda of the city’s mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. Since the ban went into effect, tampons made with plastic applicators have also begun disappearing from store shelves.
According to reports, women’s groups and activists are saying the ban on plastic applicators can lead to menstrual poverty for those who can’t afford the more expensive alternative eco-friendly hygiene products such as organic tampons or menstrual cups.
“A measure that might sound very progressive and well-intentioned with an environmental commitment is neglecting the needs of women,” menstrual activist Sally Santiago told Reuters, which reported on the ban last week.
The city’s environment minister Marina Robles told Reuters that she’s aware of complaints stemming from the ban, but added that other options are still available, such as tampons with cardboard applicators and menstrual cups.
Robles believes companies should assume some of the responsibility to produce tampons with cardboard applicators or no applicators more readily available in the country. According to the report, city officials were in discussions with manufacturers for close to two years about making more non-plastic alternatives available.
According to reports, women’s groups and activists are saying the ban on plastic applicators can lead to menstrual poverty for those who can’t afford the more expensive alternative eco-friendly hygiene products such as organic tampons or menstrual cups.
“A measure that might sound very progressive and well-intentioned with an environmental commitment is neglecting the needs of women,” menstrual activist Sally Santiago told Reuters, which reported on the ban last week.
The city’s environment minister Marina Robles told Reuters that she’s aware of complaints stemming from the ban, but added that other options are still available, such as tampons with cardboard applicators and menstrual cups.
Robles believes companies should assume some of the responsibility to produce tampons with cardboard applicators or no applicators more readily available in the country. According to the report, city officials were in discussions with manufacturers for close to two years about making more non-plastic alternatives available.
