Environmenstrual Week is 17th - 21st October and this year's Environmenstrual Week theme is about period shame – period poverty, reproductive health, continence and the shameful persistence of stigma and taboos around menstruation.

The Womens' Environmental Network (WEN) is working to shine a light on the health of women, girls and those who menstruate and abolish the shame! They aim to advocate for healthy, sustainable, safe, and affordable period products for everybody

48% of girls in the UK are embarrassed about their periods.

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.

Shame and our health:

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.

DON’T HAVE PERIODS, BUT WANT TO BE A PERIOD ALLY?

· Call out anyone who makes a period joke or belittles period-related pain. We all wouldn’t be here without periods.

· Don’t make assumptions about what a person who menstruates looks like.

· Ensure you and your friends are aware about the issues whether that be the taboo, environmental, or health impacts of periods.

· Don’t be shy to carry around spare period products in case your friend or colleague needs one in an emergency!

· Volunteer with period poverty charities to provide menstrual products to people in need.

Environmental Top Tips:

• Only flush the 4 P’s (pee, poo, toilet paper, and period blood). Bin everything else!
• Give reusables a go (washable pads, menstrual cup, period pants, reusable tampon applicator) or opt for plastic-free and organic cotton tampons & pads without the plastic.
• Demand the safest products for yourself and the environment by asking for a full list of the ingredients and materials used on period product packs.
• Take part in Environmenstrual Week (17th-23rd October 2022)
• Take part in a beach or river clean up.
• Make your own washable pad at our One Off Wednesday event.
• Support Wen, and get in touch on Twitter @WEN_UK and Instagram @environmenstrual.

What’s happening at the Students’ Union this Environmenstrual week?

Monday the 17th of October – A period positivity stall with badges and discount codes

Tuesday the 18th of October – WEN is holding an online discussion around reusable menstrual products

Wednesday the 19th of October – Come to our One Off Wednesday volunteer event to sew your own reusable menstrual pad