The first version of this event will take place from October 13 to 20

From October 13th to 20th, the NGO Women's Environmetnal Network (WEN) of the United Kingdom will carry out the first version of the Environmenstrual week of action. This week will cover different topics related to the environment and menstruation, two events that are usually not related but are connected more than what it is believed.

Read in english: Todo lo que debes saber de la Environmenstrual week of action

The first thing you should know about this event is that it will take place in the United Kingdom. However, this does not mean that from Latin America you cannot participate. According to the event page, you can follow the lectures and news of this Week through social media and find out what is happening. On Instagram, you can follow this event on the @environmentrual account; on Twitter on the @WEN_UK account; and on Facebook on the page WEN.UK1988.

The organizers of the event affirm that "we are taking #PeriodAction for healthy and ecological menstrual products, available to all. Together with the activists, the prescribers of menstruation, social enterprises, companies, we come together to make a big noise about the periods".

What topics will be covered?

Also read: Pollution seriously affects women's health

• Environment (water and marine life)
• Disposal of menstrual products
• Reusable and organic biodegradable menstrual products
• Smash the taboo
• Menstrual health
• Period of poverty
• Menstrual equity

This theme aims to attract the attention of women and companies engaged in the manufacture of menstrual products. For example, although many women have reported being allergic to menstrual products on the market, manufacturers continue to use the same materials that are also contaminants.

On the other hand, they want to raise awareness about the way in which menstrual products are discarded. According to WEN figures, 1.5 million menstrual products are thrown IGNORE INTO the toilet causing problems in the pipes and in the marine ecosystems they reach.

Additionally, they want to attract the attention of the public about the purchase of biodegradable and eco-friendly products that are not made of plastic. WEN recommends using alternative products such as menstrual cup and reusable underwear.

It may interest you: Saving the planet: Discover how this NGO is doing it

Who will be the speakers?

• Susie Hewson, Founder and CEO of Natracare
• Mandu Reid, Founder of The Cup Effect
• Natalie Fee, environmental activist and founder of City to Sea
• Ruby Raut, Founder of WUKA
• Rachel Dyson, behavior change manager for Anglian Water and president of Water UK Snap Network
• Gabby Edlin, Founder of Bloody Good Period

What can you do to make your period eco-friendly?

• WEN recommends not to throw away menstrual products in the toilet as they can block the pipes and contaminate marine ecosystems.
• It is also advisable to use biodegradable and environmentally friendly products such as menstrual cups and to use washable pads and underwear. In this way, you not only help the environment, but you will also save money.
• If you use normal pads and tampons, make sure they are made of cotton or organic products and not plastic.
• Avoid using flavored products as they contain harmful chemicals for your body and the environment.

Also read: Pink Tax: The hidden rate that women must pay

If you want to know more about this event, click here and here

LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza
Translated from “Todo lo que debes saber de la Environmenstrual week of action”

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