In the US, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown out every year and a year’s worth of disposable period products leaves a carbon footprint equivalent to 5.3 kilograms (nearly 12 pounds) of CO2. Tampons, pads, and panty liners, their packaging, and wrapping generate more than 200,000 metric tons of waste annually. What’s more, plastic and non-compostable materials in period products can take 500 to 800 years to decompose. We can make a difference, starting with our local community. Sign to encourage the school board to at least consider sustainable cotton pads instead of disposable pads.