By james art The council’s 16 community pantries will be stocking a range of sustainable menstrual cups and Hey Girls reusable pads as part of Menstrual Cycle Week, which runs from 21-25 October.
There will also be a series of pop-up events at three of the community pantries, where residents can meet local sustainable era maker TSC-Eco to get advice and try out their washable era pads and trousers.
The move is part of NAC’s climate change commitment to become a net zero local authority by 2030.
The ongoing threat of the cost of living crisis is putting hygiene products out of reach for many, with recent figures showing one in five people in Scotland are affected.
Disposing of old products is also an environmental concern. Traditional disposable sanitary napkins with plastic packaging and tampons with plastic applicators pose a threat with over 340,000 tampons and panty liners estimated to be flushed down the toilet in Scotland every day.
In 2017, North Ayrshire Council became the first local authority to provide old products in all public buildings, completely free of charge. That was before it became law in 2021 for all local authorities to provide them to all residents.
Although the feedback has been great, in a recent community consultation the public expressed that they would like more choice of free eco-friendly washable products.
In response, the Period Dignity team has come up with the latest campaign.
The entries are as follows:
- Argyle Community Center Larder, Saltcoats on Wednesday 23 October (11am to 4pm)
- Dalry Community Center Larder on Wednesday 23 October (6pm to 7.30pm)
- Cranberry Moss Community Center Larder, Kilwinning on Thursday 24th October (11am to 3pm)
North Ayrshire’s Young People’s Champion, Councilor Chloe Robertson, reiterated her support for the Period Dignity team’s increased commitment to sustainable period products.
She said: “I learned this Eco Menstrual Week that, after wet wipes, period products are among the worst everyday waste in Scotland.
“Providing sustainable products to our residents is a brilliant way to raise awareness and give people the confidence to make more sustainable choices. .
“As a champion of young people, I fully support this initiative, especially because tackling the climate emergency is a priority for young people.
“It is important that this initiative is visible in order to tackle the destigmatization of menstrual products, especially among young people.
“It is also encouraging to know that this service is available to residents in need, particularly individuals, families and carers who may not have the resources available to afford their own period products.
“Our Community Pantry volunteers are as passionate as we are about raising awareness of the benefits of using sustainable solutions over more popular disposable products. We are proud to support them and the Period Dignity team this week on Envrionmenstrual.”
Council leader Marie Burns added: “As a council we are aware not only of the financial impact of periodic poverty and the cost of living crisis, but also of the devastating environmental impacts associated with product disposal.
“Menstruation and tackling climate change are important to us. Introducing the new sustainable period products into our community pantries is part of the council’s ‘No Wrong Door’ approach.
“This Eco Menstrual Week I would encourage residents to consider trying the free sustainable period products available through our community pantries.
“The introduction of sustainable period produce into the council’s Fairer Food network is an encouraging step in the right direction as we work with communities to achieve our goal of becoming a net zero local authority by 2030.”
“Thank you to everyone involved in this important sustainability project that will have a lasting positive impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
If you need help to top up your weekly shopping or access produce for a sustainable period, you can find your nearest pantry on our map: North Ayrshire Fairer Food Community Food Places – Google My Maps
If you have an experience to share, please contact the Period Dignity team and help us shape the plan to improve the service. Email them now at: [email protected]