Marie Claire is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. In the UK alone, most menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic and take 500+ years to break down, contributing to 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste As long term sustainability campaigners, here at Marie Claire we’re always seeking out how to be more sustainable – which includes reading up on the easiest ways to have sustainable periods. Why? Well, globally, 45 billion menstrual products are disposed of every year. In the UK alone, most menstrual products contain up to 90% plastic and take over 500 years to break down. They, in turn, contribute to 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste, which omits harmful CO2 emissions.