the following entry is for my female readership only:

i recently had a lively exchange with a friend over the flushability of cardboard tampon applicatiors. i need your help to settle a bet over the "rightness" of flushing these applicators. before we begin the discussion, let me clarify a few points:

point a: for the purposes of this discussion, we will differentiate between the actual tampon and the tampon applicator. it goes without saying (but i'll say it regardless) that tampons should always be flushed. always.

point b: within the applicator context, we will further distinguish between the cardboard applicator and the plastic applicator. again, it goes without saying that a plastic applicator should never be flushed. never.

point c: cardboard applicator flushers concede that, even though the applicators are designed to be flushed, flushing is not ideal in locations with older plumbing units.

so, the question i turn over to you is: are cardboard applicators even designed to be flushed in the first place?

the stakes are high, so please give your answer consideration and cast your comment accordingly.