NORTH Ayrshire Council is encouraging residents to switch to sustainable period products.

Across the council's 16 community larders, they will stock a range of sustainable ‘Hey Girls’ menstrual cups and reusable pads as part of Environmenstrual Week, which runs from October 21-25.

There will also be a series of pop-up events across three of its community larders, where residents can meet with local sustainable period products manufacturer TSC-Eco to get advice and try their washable pads and period pants.

The move forms part of NAC's climate change pledge to become a net zero local authority by 2030.

The continued threat of the cost-of-living crisis is making hygiene products unaffordable for many with recent data showing that one in five people in Scotland are impacted.

Disposal of period products is also an environmental concern. Traditional one time-use sanitary pads with plastic wrappers, and tampons with plastic applicators, pose a threat with over 340,000 tampons and pantyliners estimated to be flushed down the toilet in Scotland every day.

In 2017, North Ayrshire Council became the first local authority to provide period products in all public buildings, completely free of charge. This 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 came up with the latest campaign.

The drop-ins are as follows:

  • Argyle Community Centre Larder, Saltcoats on Wednesday, 23 October (11am to 4pm)
  • Dalry Community Centre Larder on Wednesday, 23 October (6pm to 7.30pm)  
  • Cranberry Moss Community Centre Larder, Kilwinning on Thursday, 24 October (11am to 3pm)

North Ayrshire’s young people’s champion, Councillor Chloe Robertson, has confirmed her support for the Period Dignity team’s strengthened commitment to sustainable period products.

She said: “I have learned this Environmenstrual Week, that after wet wipes, period products are amongst the worst everyday waste products 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 the Young People’s Champion, I fully support this initiative particularly because tackling the climate emergency is a priority for young people.

“It is important for this initiative to be visible in order to tackle the destigmatisation of menstrual products particularly among young people.

“It is also encouraging to know that this service is available for residents in need, especially for individuals, families and carers who may not have the resources available to afford their own period products.

“Our community larder volunteers are as passionate as we are to raise awareness of the benefits of using sustainable solutions versus the more well-known throwaway products. We are proud to support them and the Period Dignity team this Envrionmenstrual Week.” 

Council Leader Marie Burns added: “As a council we are aware not only of the financial impact of period poverty and the cost-of-living crisis, but also of the devastating environmental impacts associated with product disposal.

“Menstruation and tackling climate change matters to us. The implementation of the new sustainable period products in our community larders is all part of the council’s ‘No Wrong Door’ approach.

“This Environmenstrual Week, I would encourage residents to consider giving the free sustainable period products, available via our community larders, a try.

“The roll-out of sustainable period products across the council’s Fairer Food network of community larders 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 which will make a lasting positive impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

If you need help topping up your weekly shopping or accessing sustainable period products, you can find your nearest larder on our map: North Ayrshire Fairer Food Community Food Places - Google My Maps

If you have an experience to share, please get in touch with the Period Dignity Team and help us shape the Service Improvement Plan. Email them now at: perioddignity@north-ayrshire.gov.uk