This is an interesting topic, but my thought was also that I am surprised that these hygiene banks havent thought of providing menstrual cups and other reusable sanitary products like cloth pads as it would be much cheaper in the long run (you can pick up a set of 2 menstrual cups for £10 and the last 10 years). I haven't had to buy disposable sanitary products for years now and have saved way more than £10. I am surprised disposable products are no longer available in schools though as nobody ever had to go without in my school in the 1990s. Says a lot about our current government!
Also, what about reusable nappy libraries for baby hygiene? I can understand the latter wouldn't be for everyone, especially working mothers or those with multiple children, but they could be an option for some and better for the environment.
Well done for exploring this issue and bringing it to light though.
Yes! I am surprised about them not using reusable products as well. Although, after some digging, it comes down to money (doesn't it always?) It is cheaper in the long term, but not in the short term and the more the government can give out, the better the stats they can provide.. so I think that could be why.
But I am having a chat with The Hygiene Bank in Merthyr to see if I can volunteer and will raise the same question.
Hey Lauren! I like your thought provoking article with a focus on making living better for those marginalized in our societies. While reading your article on hygiene (and specifically thinking of feminine hygiene) I remembered my pixie cup :). Have you heard of these rubber cups that are a re-usable alternative to consumable paper products? Many of the companies who sell these menstrual cups also donate to third world countries and women who don't have access/money to use the consumable market's products. An added plus- they are better for the environment!
Hi Alisha! We have a similar type product here. I haven't used them, but as I have been looking into period poverty and sustainability this week, I plan to buy one. And some reusable pads. So good that companies are donating them, because they are hard to come across (and more expensive upfront) than disposable ones in developing countries. I think it is also worth looking into how to help women around the world learn how to create their own reusable sanitary products so they don't have to depend on outside organizations.
This is an interesting topic, but my thought was also that I am surprised that these hygiene banks havent thought of providing menstrual cups and other reusable sanitary products like cloth pads as it would be much cheaper in the long run (you can pick up a set of 2 menstrual cups for £10 and the last 10 years). I haven't had to buy disposable sanitary products for years now and have saved way more than £10. I am surprised disposable products are no longer available in schools though as nobody ever had to go without in my school in the 1990s. Says a lot about our current government!
Also, what about reusable nappy libraries for baby hygiene? I can understand the latter wouldn't be for everyone, especially working mothers or those with multiple children, but they could be an option for some and better for the environment.
Well done for exploring this issue and bringing it to light though.
Yes! I am surprised about them not using reusable products as well. Although, after some digging, it comes down to money (doesn't it always?) It is cheaper in the long term, but not in the short term and the more the government can give out, the better the stats they can provide.. so I think that could be why.
But I am having a chat with The Hygiene Bank in Merthyr to see if I can volunteer and will raise the same question.
Hey Lauren! I like your thought provoking article with a focus on making living better for those marginalized in our societies. While reading your article on hygiene (and specifically thinking of feminine hygiene) I remembered my pixie cup :). Have you heard of these rubber cups that are a re-usable alternative to consumable paper products? Many of the companies who sell these menstrual cups also donate to third world countries and women who don't have access/money to use the consumable market's products. An added plus- they are better for the environment!
Hi Alisha! We have a similar type product here. I haven't used them, but as I have been looking into period poverty and sustainability this week, I plan to buy one. And some reusable pads. So good that companies are donating them, because they are hard to come across (and more expensive upfront) than disposable ones in developing countries. I think it is also worth looking into how to help women around the world learn how to create their own reusable sanitary products so they don't have to depend on outside organizations.