The University of Idaho Sustainability and Women’s centers will offer a one-hour interactive presentation on menstrual periods and how to make them more sustainable 7 p.m. Tuesday.
“The stigma (around periods) has caused the sustainability aspect of this issue to be ignored and we are trying to change that. It’s a part of our daily lives and needs to be talked about, said Kylie Cutler, coordinator of the ‘Sustainability, Period!’ event.
Kylie Cutler | UI Sustainability Center
Cutler said they will discuss certain period products — such as menstrual cups, period panties, reusable cloth pads and single-use alternative plastic period products — that are organic and biodegradable.
Tuesday’s event, which takes place in the UI Women’s Center, is part of a larger conversation taking place across the world.
According to the Sustainable Period Project’s website, a single woman throws away around 250 to 300 pounds of menstrual products in their lifetime.
However, statistics such as this are often ignored largely because of a societal reluctance to talk about menstruation — something this event hopes to change.
“I think the stigma can change. You know, it’s 2019, I think people are starting to realize it’s a part of our lives. We’ve come a long way and this event is a step in the right direction,” Cutler said.
At the end of the night, various products will be raffled off, including two diva cups. NatraCare products will be given to attendants, which are a more sustainable menstrual product option.
These products are made with certified organic cotton, bio-plastic and fluffed wood pulp, making them safe for the environment and less toxic to women who use them.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected]