Local council offers free environmentally-friendly period products
Free period products
Belfast City Council has teamed up with Hey Girls a social enterprise that produces environmentally-friendly period products. If you live in Belfast, you can sign up to receive free reusable, non-plastic period products.
Period waste
Every year, the disposal of single-use menstrual products such as tampons, pads and applicators generates 200,000 tonnes of waste in the UK. Most single-use disposable menstrual pads are made from 90 per cent plastic. Each household in Belfast produces almost 4kg of hygiene product waste on average every year. This waste goes straight to landfill and in some cases into our oceans when products are flushed down toilets.
Benefits of reusable period products
Reusable period products are better for the environment than single-use products, which often contain large amounts of plastic and chemicals. Rather than single-use products going to landfill, you wash and reuse your reusable period products instead.
Reusable period products come in different forms, including menstrual cups, reusable pads, reusable tampon applicators, or period pants. They can also save you money. Recent research showed that disposable period products can cost up to £492 a year.
How to order home packs of reusable period products
The scheme is open to all residents living in the Belfast City Council area. For more information on ordering these free products, go to Belfast home packs. Orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.