Post by kevin on Feb 25, 2021 15:50:52 GMT -5
Mexico City ban on plastic raises tampon concerns for women
Taking plastic applicator tampons off the shelves, say women's groups, contributes to "menstrual poverty" for women who can't afford or find the greener alternatives.
Feb. 19, 2021, 9:35 AM CST / Source: Reuters
By Reuters
MEXICO CITY — In Mexico City, one of the world's biggest cities, a product that many women relied on as a monthly necessity is gradually disappearing from the shelves: tampons with plastic applicators.
With a lifespan of nearly 150 years, the applicators join plastic bags, forks, cups, balloons and straws as single-use plastics that Mexico City has banned as it pushes forward with a greener agenda.
Women's groups, however, said the city's ban on the applicators is an attack on human rights and creates a phenomenon of "menstrual poverty" because alternative products, like organic tampons or silicone menstrual cups, are more expensive and often hard to find.
"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
Mexico's 126 million people produce 6,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year, the government said. The city's plastics ban has also prompted controversy from industries that produce now-prohibited items. Producers argued that products should be regulated, but not banned.
Mexico City Environment Minister Marina Robles acknowledged the backlash to the ban on plastic tampons applicators, saying dialogue with women about the new law should stay open.
However, she said there are alternatives available, including tampons with cardboard applicators, menstrual cups and organic tampons...
www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mexico-city-ban-plastic-raises-tampon-concerns-women-n1258336
Taking plastic applicator tampons off the shelves, say women's groups, contributes to "menstrual poverty" for women who can't afford or find the greener alternatives.
Feb. 19, 2021, 9:35 AM CST / Source: Reuters
By Reuters
MEXICO CITY — In Mexico City, one of the world's biggest cities, a product that many women relied on as a monthly necessity is gradually disappearing from the shelves: tampons with plastic applicators.
With a lifespan of nearly 150 years, the applicators join plastic bags, forks, cups, balloons and straws as single-use plastics that Mexico City has banned as it pushes forward with a greener agenda.
Women's groups, however, said the city's ban on the applicators is an attack on human rights and creates a phenomenon of "menstrual poverty" because alternative products, like organic tampons or silicone menstrual cups, are more expensive and often hard to find.
"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
Mexico's 126 million people produce 6,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year, the government said. The city's plastics ban has also prompted controversy from industries that produce now-prohibited items. Producers argued that products should be regulated, but not banned.
Mexico City Environment Minister Marina Robles acknowledged the backlash to the ban on plastic tampons applicators, saying dialogue with women about the new law should stay open.
However, she said there are alternatives available, including tampons with cardboard applicators, menstrual cups and organic tampons...
www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mexico-city-ban-plastic-raises-tampon-concerns-women-n1258336