A first of it’s kind UK pilot providing free environmentally friendly period products has helped almost nine in 10 Belfast ‘girls’ reduce period waste.
Belfast City Council ’s pilot 2022 partnership with social enterprise ‘Hey Girls’ attracted over 3,000 applications.
Its success has prompted the return of the local authority’s bid to further reduce period waste going to landfill, for 2023.
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Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “I’m really pleased Belfast City Council is leading the way on this issue and helping to normalise the use of reusable period products and challenge some of the stigmas that exist.
“It’s fantastic to be running the scheme again following the success of our initial pilot, to support residents living in the Belfast City Council area.
“Introducing small changes to all aspects of our everyday lives with a focus on tackling environmental issues can have such a positive impact.”
It is estimated single use period products such as tampons, pads and applicators generate 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste in the UK each year.
When the pilot reusable period product giveaway launched last March in Belfast, it attracted over 3,000 applications in less than 24 hours.
A recent survey among those who signed up found 86% have reduced their use of single use period products and 72% rated the products as very good to excellent.
Available to residents living in the Belfast City Council area, the scheme helps reduce the levels of plastic in our waste stream as some single use period items can be made of 90% plastic.
Cllr Murray added: “It’s something we are all beginning to think about more and more as we witness the effects of climate change.
“And the amount of plastic within single use period products is staggering.
“It’s so important to raise awareness about what options are available and this scheme is a great opportunity for residents to try some of these products for themselves.”
The ‘Hey Girls’ home packs will be provided and delivered free of charge.
Each home pack is reusable, biodegradable and contains products made from environmentally friendly materials such as sustainable oeko-tex bamboo and 100% organic cotton.
For further information on how to apply, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/free-period-products
Belfast City Council is also working to address issues in relation to period poverty.
In 2022, members agreed to the roll out of another pilot project in council offices and some community centres across the city, including leisure centres and council-owned buildings.
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