Did you know the past week; 17th- 21st October was Enviromenstrual Week?! Period shame can dictates which products we use as well as how we dispose of them. This has an impact on the health of women, girls and people who menstruate AND massive consequences on the environment and wildlife nationally and globally. Join our plastic free period revolution now!
Did you know the past week 17th- 21st October was Enviromenstrual Week?! This week organised by WEN is aimed at educating and alleviating the shame and stigma surrounding periods and highlighting period poverty and inequality’s that come with menstruation.
Menstrual taboos and the stigma shaped by social, cultural and religious norms, mean that periods are not openly discussed and are rarely celebrated. Even in 2022 menstruation is still surrounded by a shroud of secrecy and shame.
Our menstruating bodies and the period products we use are kept under wraps, sanitised and hidden from view. This leads to exclusion and discrimination and distances us from menstruation, a perfectly natural bodily function.
Period shame dictates which products we use as well as how we dispose of them. This has an impact on the health of women, girls and people who menstruate AND massive consequences on the environment and wildlife nationally and globally.
Period shame means that many of us feel we need to dispose of our period products down toilets, the so-called ‘flush and forget’ solution. Often there aren’t bins available to dispose of them correctly.
It has been estimated that of the 4.3 billion menstrual products used each year in the UK between 1.5-2 billion are flushed. That is about 35-47% of products. As well as blocking sewers, used period products along with wipes make their way into waterways and our sea, polluting and harming wildlife.
The shame surrounding menstruation means we may not seek medical health for painful periods, unusual bleeding patterns, period poverty, fertility and other period related or continence problems. And when we do seek help, especially medical help, we may not be taken seriously.
In recent years the surge in the use of reusable and organic single-use disposable products has led to a revolution in period product innovation and a huge increase in those switching to reusable, 18% of the market last year.
In light of the current cost of living crisis, The Students’ Union at UWE are pleased to offer free (plastic free) period products from the Natracare brand, at our weekly period product stalls and within our toilets and most bathrooms across campus, meaning you have the chance to a free periods, minus the plastic!
If you are interested in more long term period sustainability, you could join our sustainable product trial and discover a longer term, sustainable option, such as menstrual cups, period pants or reusable pads! To get involved either head to our website or join the trial here
Our Period stalls run across all campuses:
Glenside: Every Tuesday 12:00-14:00
Frenchay: Every Friday 12:00-14:00
Bower Ashton: Friday 12:00-14:00
