A group of Year 8 students from Frome College have come together to raise funds and raise awareness about period poverty, while supporting the Plastic.Free.Period movement.
The group, led by student Poppy Widdows, recently raised £282 through a book sale after being inspired by talks from Green and Healthy Frome’s Plastic.Free.Period campaign, which aims to ensure all menstruators have access to the information and products they need to support their menstrual health without causing environmental and health harm.
“I was shocked to learn how many people live in period poverty and can’t get the products they need, and then hearing about how much plastic is in traditional products, the waste and the pollution, it just made me want to help,” says Poppy.
In the UK, an estimated 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million pads, and 700,000 pantyliners are flushed down the toilet every day, contributing to ocean pollution and microplastic contamination.
After visiting a water treatment facility, the students saw this problem firsthand – sanitary products caught in the waste system. “There were loads of pads and tampons just stuck there,” says Poppy. “It really hit home how much damage this causes.”
In total, the group aims to raise £750 to give more women access to environmentally friendly period products, all while educating and raising awareness around the subject.
The book sale took place at the Green and Healthy Frome pop-up stall earlier this month in the Westway Precinct, and they plan to hold another book and bake sale in April.
“It’s been nice serving people and talking to them about the campaign. It feels like we’re actually making a difference,” said one of the students.
A spokesperson from Green and Healthy Frome, Annabel Crooke, said, “Many of their peers were unaware of the harmful toxins that standard plastic period products contain, and the girls say they see education as a key part of their mission.
“They have already started encouraging their friends to try reusables and organic options, helping to normalise sustainable choices before periods even start.
“This proactive approach is exactly what Green and Healthy Frome promotes. It’s all about knowledge and resources to make sustainable changes. And in this case, it’s never been more powerful than when actioned by the young, leading them to start and finish a lifetime of periods with sustainable, healthier options. With a mission to inspire and support people to make healthier and more sustainable changes in their everyday lives, this project proves that small actions can lead to lasting impact.
“Their work is a reminder that change doesn’t have to come from politicians or global organisations. It can start with a conversation in a school hallway, a poster in the office, or a homemade cookie at a bake sale.”
One of the students said, “We want people to realise that it’s not too late to change. There are many different products, and there are more eco options to choose from than the traditional plastic products. By understanding all your options and trying different options, your world opens up. And if we keep spreading the word, maybe every school will start offering plastic-free products. That would be amazing.”
Annabel said, “In a world where bad news stories speak louder than the good, it is refreshing to hear of such young passion and determination paving the way for the greater good. Inspiring hope for a world where people and the planet can thrive. Because, as these girls have already proven, small actions, especially when powered by young voices, can create ripples that change the tide.”
