Are you tired of contributing to plastic waste every month with your period products, or are you caring for someone who menstruates and seeking more eco-friendly alternatives? You’re in luck! The demand for sustainable period solutions is on the rise, and with the upcoming Environmenstrual Week from October 21st to 25th, it’s the perfect time to explore the benefits of plastic-free period products. Not only do these options help the environment, but they also offer numerous health advantages and financial savings. In this post, we’ll discuss why you should make the switch to plastic-free and give you local and online discounts for plastic-free period products.
What is Environmenstrual Week?
Environmenstrual Week is an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the environmental and health impacts of traditional disposable period products. During this week, organizations, communities, and individuals come together to promote sustainable menstrual practices that benefit both people and the planet. The goal is to encourage the use of plastic-free period products, such as reusable pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear, which significantly reduce plastic waste and and are healthier for your body.
Why Choose Plastic-Free Period Products?
The impact of traditional period products on the environment is staggering—most regular sanitary pads contain up to 90% plastic. By choosing plastic-free alternatives, you can play a significant part in reducing this waste. In addition to being eco-friendly, these products also tend to be free from unlabelled toxins that you get in the traditional plastic and scented period products, offering a healthier choice for your body. Switching can significantly decrease your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run. On average, menstruators spend around £10 per cycle, and cheaper, reusable products can drastically reduce this cost.
Community Efforts in Frome
Through Green and Healthy Frome, Plastic Free. Period. project was born, a collaboration between Frome Town Council and Frome Medical Practice. Plastic Free. Period. has successfully organised events (and window displays – look out for Frome Wholefoods pant-tastic window display this week) to spread awareness and knowledge about sustainable period products, educating those eager to learn and make informed choices about their menstrual care. We have also, raised £1650, to provide over 110 free period pant packs to Year 8 & 9 students in Frome, and have secured discounts on plastic-free and reusable period products from several local and online businesses. Charlotte Carson, the Community Sustainability Lead at Frome Medical Practice, emphasised the importance of making these products accessible through local discounts and educational efforts.
How to Access Discounted Plastic-Free Products
To make the transition easier, Plastic Free. Period. has collaborated with local businesses to offer discounts on sustainable period products. Here’s where you can find them:
1. Oakville (3 Badcox, BA11 3BQ)
- Products: Glo bamboo pads, menstrual cups, and Natracare products
- Discount: 10% off when you quote ‘Plastic Free. Period’ in-store
2. Shop Next Door (17 Stony Street, BA11 1BY)
- Products: Natracare products, Flurries period pants, and Mooncups
- Discount: 10% off when you quote ‘Plastic Free. Period’ in-store
3. Acorn Pharmacy (95 Locks Hill, BA11 1NG)
- Products: Flo organic tampons
- Discount: 10% off when you quote ‘Plastic Free. Period’ in-store
Online Discounts for Wider Access
For those who prefer shopping online or can’t find their preferred product locally, there are several online retailers offering discounts as well:
- Wuka: Period pants, 15% discount with code FROME15
- Revol Undies: Period pants, 15% off with code FROME15
- Cheeky: Period pants and washable pads, 15% off non-sale items with code cheekyfrome15
- EcoFemme: Washable pads, 15% discount with code FROME15
- AllMatters (formerly Organi Cup): Menstrual cup, 25% off with code FROME25
- Mooncup: Menstrual cup, 10% discount with code FROME24
- Fluxies: Period pants, 20% off with code FROME20
- The Period Lady: Menstrual products, period pants, and more, 15% off non-sale items with code Frome15
The Impact of Switching to Plastic-Free
By making the switch to plastic-free period products, you’re not just benefiting personally; you’re contributing to a larger environmental movement. Consider these impacts:
1. Reducing Plastic Waste
Switching can save approximately 200 kg of menstrual waste over a lifetime.
2. Healthier Alternatives
Many conventional products contain chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols, which are not required to be listed as ingredients. Plastic-free options are often free from these harmful substances.
3. Environmental Impact
Plastic Free. Period. isnt’ just about changing products; it’s about building a supportive community united by shared values. Just imagine, a community-wide transition in Frome could prevent up to 72,000 kg of CO2 emissions per year, representing a significant step towards combating climate change.
Empowerment Through Educational Impact
Empowerment Through Educational Impact
Education is key to making informed choices. We often come and talk in schools in Frome, discussing the harmful effects of single-use plastics and exploring sustainable alternatives, we also discuss all those sticky questions about how to use them and how to wash them. We aim to alleviate the embarrassment and anxiety that comes around discussing periods by providing honest, clear and candid advice. If you would like Charlotte or Jo to visit your school, please get in touch here.
Join the Green and Healthy Frome Initiative
Making the switch to plastic-free period products is a small change with a big impact. With Environmenstrual Week on the horizon, there’s no better time to start exploring more sustainable menstrual care options. Whether you’re shopping locally in Frome or online, there are plenty of discounts available to help you make the transition smoothly and affordably.
For more detailed information on available products and discounts, visit Green & Healthy Frome. Join the movement for a healthier planet and a healthier you, today!
Our initiative encourages living that benefits both personal health and the planet. We believe that by improving one aspect, we enhance the other, paving the way for a better future for everyone.
Plastic Free. Period is a unique collaboration of Frome Medical Practice and Frome Town Council and is part of Green and Healthy Frome, a project funding by the National Lottery Community Fund.
