Campaign News, Plastic Pollution, Refill & Reuse Posted — 17 October 2023
Let’s give period taboo and plastic pollution the red card
Menstruation is often shrouded in shame and secrecy. Environmenstrual Week breaks down the barriers of stigma and taboo, to tackle issues like period poverty, education, waste and plastic pollution. It’s hard to address one without the other. This year, the Women’s Environmental Network, are calling for a Menstrual Health, Dignity and Sustainability Act, one act to encompass it all.
90% of big brand pads are plastic, and one pack of pads can contain up to five plastic bags. Period shame can mean that many of us feel we need to dispose of period products down toilets, forcing us into a ‘flush and forget’ solution. Often there aren’t bins available to dispose of them correctly. Used period products, along with plastic wipes can make their way into waterways, and into our ocean. Many period products also contain fragrance, and even endocrine-disrupting chemicals – not good for the environment, or our health…and not something we asked for.
Environmenstrual Week highlights the need for more education and encourages women, girls and people who menstruate, to make the switch to reusable and plastic free options. There are many sustainable period products on the market, which include:
- Reusable pads and tampons
- Menstrual cups
- Period-proof pants
Check out the WEN guide to reusable period products HERE and find out which one might work for you.
Period education is essential to breaking down barriers, and our Plastic Free Communities are helping spread knowledge of reusable period products through their local campaigns. This year, Plastic Free Dalgety Bay in Fife, held a Plastic Free Period Workshop, which is available on YouTube HERE.
Period products are the 5th most common item found on beaches in Europe. Education and awareness-raising is vital. We’ve found that talking about reusable solutions to schools and groups like the Guides, educates both the young people, and their parents and teachers. It’s also vital to lobby policymakers, to ensure that period dignity measures adequately promote reusables.
Rebecca Petford and Kim Blasco, Plastic Free Dalgety Bay
Want to help busts the myths, shame around periods and tackle plastic pollution? Head to the WEN Resources Hub and share the campaign yourself.
Contact your local Plastic Free Community and find out what Environmenstrual Week awareness events are happening near you.
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