Periods don’t have to be wasteful, expensive and harmful to the planet. The dominant products used by those who menstruate are single-use (disposable pads, tampons and liners). Many of these products will end up in landfill or contaminating our waterways and harming the planet.
Did you know?
In the UK, every year disposable tampons, pads and applicators generate 200,000 tonnes of waste (Knowaste).
In the UK, every year disposable tampons, pads and applicators generate 200,000 tonnes of waste (Knowaste).
In the cost-of-living crisis, period poverty and period equity are pressing issues that our pupils who menstruate can face. Reusable products generally require one up-front investment which then lasts for up to 10 years! Which is why they are the much more economical option compared to single-use (plastic) products.
What are reusable period products?
Reusable period products come in all shapes and forms. They celebrate the variety in those who menstruate and make your monthly bleed a comfortable, less wasteful, experience.
Similarities with disposable products:
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Convenient and easy-to-use
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Adaptable to your unique monthly bleed
Did you know?
Each period can cost on average £10, which is £4940 over a lifetime (Environmenstrual)
Each period can cost on average £10, which is £4940 over a lifetime (Environmenstrual)
Differences to disposable products:
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Can be reused for years so have minimal waste impact
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Don’t end up in landfill, on beaches or in oceans
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Don’t cause environmental havoc from drain blockages
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Cost-effective and long-lasting
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Tackle existing taboos around your period
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How can you champion sustainable period products in your school?
Educate yourself
You can find a lot more information on reusable period products on the Reduce, Reuse, Your Cycle website. The website has a wealth of knowledge on reusables, such as how-to videos and a comprehensive list of FAQs.
You’ll find a savings calculator tool where you can experiment with inputting the disposable period products you might use and it will demonstrate how much waste, carbon and money you could save by making the switch to reusables. This is also a great tool that could be shown in the classroom and played around with the pupils!
Once you’ve got a good idea of how great reusable period products are, why not consider coming along to a training session below...
Join a virtual teacher training session
We’ve partnered with Women’s Environmental Network (Wen), experts in female health and wellbeing, to run 2 teacher training sessions online (Thursday 21st March & Friday 26th April). These will be an educate-the-educators workshop to get teachers familiar with reusable period products and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to share with pupils and other teachers alike at their school.
To sign up, visit Wen's ticket booking platform here.
Host a workshop at your school
Wen is also delivering a series of workshops in the communities of our boroughs. The workshops will raise awareness of the cost, waste and carbon savings of reusable period products, offer demonstrations of the products on the market, and be a safe space to answer any questions. Those who attend can take advantage of exclusive discounts for reusable products.
We're looking for primary or secondary schools in north London to host a Reusable Period Product workshop for both students and parents/carers.
Hosting a workshop at your school is a great opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to helping your female pupils and to tackle the climate emergency. Those who attend can take advantage of exclusive discounts for reusable products.
To register your interest in having a workshop at your school, get in touch with us at WastePreventionTeam@NLWA.gov.uk