Period Poverty

Period Poverty is a prime example of menstruating humans being denied the opportunity to make an informed decision on to how they want to manage their periods. A study by Plan UK found that 1 in 10 girls in the UK have been unable to afford sanitary protection, and 12% have had to improvise sanitary wear due to costs.

So I know what you're thinking: "What does period poverty have to do with being green?" Well actually... a whole lot!

Why is empowerment important?

Although we prefer the term 'menstruating humans', a majority of females have, at some point in their lives, menstruated. Female empowerment has been intrinsically linked to environmental protection.

“Advancing gender equality may be one of the best ways of saving the environment, and countering the dangers of overcrowding and other adversities associated with population pressure. The voice of women is critically important for the world’s future – not just for women’s future.” - Amartya Sen

Empowering women (and everyone else with a uterus!) by providing them with the resources and education to make an informed decision will be an important step towards equality. For example, a study found girls who were provided with menstrual cups in Nepal reported spending twenty minutes less each day on their laundry than their counterparts using traditional methods. This time could be immensely valuable in furthering their education, boosting their income or even participating more within their community and politics.

The UN reported in their Fourth World Conference on Women that women are largely absent from environmental decision making, however, found that when they are present they have a powerful role in influencing sustainable consumption practices. There we have it, by ending period poverty and providing resources and education we could encourage female political participation and thus, a greener planet!

Tampon Tax

Almost all of you have heard of the tampon tax, right? Well it's not just the disposables that are taxed, all menstruation products are subject to tax. This is the case in the UK, 45 US states and many other countries worldwide. If a menstruating human relies on tampons as their primary menstruation product, they will likely use 11,000 tampons in their lifetime. According to Lunette, if you're menstruating in the USA, that could be $800 dollars spent solely on this tax in your lifetime! Although this may only mean spending a few extra pennies each month, when you're facing Period Poverty this amount could seem like just another kick in the teeth.

What can I do?

1) Use a menstrual cup

For those of us lucky enough to be currently unaffected by Period Poverty, please join our pledge to be green. period. and purchase a cup. Although they do come at a larger price tag than other menstruation products (usually around the £20 mark), your pocket will thank you later as they can last up to 10 years.

2) Lobby your MP to fight the Tampon Tax

If, like us, you feel outraged at the profit being made from our uteruses, then you could contact your MP. You can do this here! Although the government has spoken of ending the tampon tax after we leave the European Union, we need to remind them that this issue is still at the forefront of our minds.

3) Talk about it

Conversation is the catalyst to change! The 'Tampon Tax' and Period Poverty are still an issue due to the taboo of menstruation. Many feel they cannot speak out due to it not being socially accessible, We cannot tackle any of these issues without talking about them. Whether it's on social media, on campus, with your friends, or even over dinner with your family - get talking!

4) Visit No More Taboo

No More Taboo are a great organisation working in Bristol. They sell reusable menstruation products with an aim to protect the environment by reducing the amount of waste created by disposable products. Also, they run education programmes within the UK to encourage us to #breakthroughthetaboo and provide a safe, comfortable space for menstruating humans to talk about their periods. Perhaps most importantly, they run charitable projects for people in the UK and overseas to help those affected by period poverty. You can actually purchase a virtual 'Period Poverty Package' through their website which will provide someone in poverty in Bristol with the items and support they need to manage their period.

5) Visit RubyCup

RubyCup are another amazing organisation. They are a menstrual cup brand who are determined to give something back. Each time you purchase one of their cups, they will donate one to a person in need. They call this their Buy One, Give One programme. Why is this important? As we will explore in coming weeks, social taboos and a lack of sexual education in developing countries are leaving those who menstruate isolated, vulnerable and scared each month. We have been in touch with RubyCup and they have informed us that they have been able to reach 32,900 girls so far directly! What's more, through partnerships with NGOs they have been able to help 11,000 more.

But before we go - some good news! In August, Scotland announced they would be the first UK country to introduce free sanitary products. They are holding a six-month trial in Aberdeen before launching nationwide. Also, last month the labour party pledged to spend £10 million to tackle Period Poverty in England if they form the next government - so watch this space!

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