EVERY DAY in the UK, 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 sanitary towels and 700,000 panty liners are flushed into our sewage system. Every year, in Britain alone, we would need to dig a hole 300 feet across and 300 feet deep to bury the used sanitary pads and tampons that women throw away.

The UK sanitary protection market is worth in excess of £267 million. As a Mooncup user, you can spend your money on something else!

The Mooncup is a reusable menstrual cup, around two inches long and made from soft medical grade silicone. Because the Mooncup is reusable, you only need one so it saves you money and helps the environment, too. The Mooncup is designed to be folded and inserted into the vagina, then removed, rinsed and reinserted up to every 8 hours. A light seal is formed with your vaginal walls, allowing menstrual fluid to pass into the Mooncup without leakage or odour. This seal is released for removal, allowing you to empty the contents, rinse or wipe and reinsert. Comfortable, convenient and safe: the Mooncup can be used overnight and when travelling, swimming or exercising.

Surveys suggest a lot of initial resistance to the idea amongst women, but the vast majority of those that give give it a go are very pleased, as this site shows:

www.ethicalsuperstore.com/reviews/mooncup/mooncup-reusable-menstral-cup

At about £18 this may seem expensive, but compared to the average of £5 to £10 a month most UK women spend (source: BBC website) it could save you over £1000 in its reputed 10 year lifespan!

Perhaps it would make for an interesting and unusual Christmas present! (Just so long it is not the only thing you get her!)