You need clean water every time you empty this, which can be anything from every 2 hours to every 8. It's not really suitable when you are not sure if you are a) privacy and b) clean water. Pads should be biodegradable and tampons should ONLY use biodegradable plastic - that's the main issue these days. Same for men using disposable razors: if you won't use a straight blade, would you lobby for the plastic to be biodegradable?