What you need to know about the Period Project's reusables info session

A few weeks ago, on March 20th, I attended the Period Project’s Reusable Menstrual Product Info Session. I walked in not knowing what to expect. I imagined graphic diagrams and tense, uncomfortable faces and strained conversations, but I found none of these things. The attendees were a mix of staff and students, some longtime reusable-loving folks, and others who had never tried a reusable product. It was a really cool mix and made for some great conversation.

Here’s everything you need to know about The Period Project’s Reusable Menstrual Product Info Session and why you should sign up for the next one!

Info session intro

The info session kicked off with a game of sustainability jeopardy, led by Reanna from the Student Health and Wellness- Sexual Health- volunteer team. Reanna asked us questions about menstrual products and sustainability and if we got them right, we got a prize. Did you know that it takes a tampon 500 years to decompose? I certainly didn’t but after I learned that fact, I have not been able to stop talking about it.

After jeopardy, Vikki Vansickle, education coordinator at the Period Purse got ready to speak. Partnered with the Period Project for the event, The Period Purse is a not-for-profit charitable organization based in Toronto. Their goal is to promote menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period products and ending period stigma through education and advocacy (using events like the info session!). They also created a free app where you can track your period but do not collect or sell your personal data to third parties. Check it out! 

As soon as Vikki projected her PowerPoint slides and started to speak my first thought was “She has a great blazer”. My second thought was “I have so many questions”.

Reusable Product Options

We first started talking about reusable pads and period underwear, both great options if you do not prefer insertable (products that go in the vagina) or would like something quick and easy to wear overnight. These are also great options for people who are just starting their periods or for people with disabilities because they are so easy to use.

We then discussed cups and discs. Although both products have always been a bit of a mystery to me, I felt comfortable entering the conversation. Coupled with an in-depth discussion about how they work, what their benefits are, misconceptions etc. and Vikki’s complete willingness to answer any questions, I felt that I would be comfortable buying either product and knowing how it works. I can now say, for example, that a cup and disc are great options for a day when you don’t want to have to rush to the bathroom to replace a pad or tampon.

As demos, Vikki passed around options from Aisle, a Canadian company founded in 1993 whose line produces reusable pads, liners and leakproof underwear and cups. After the info session, each person got two free Aisle reusable products of their choosing (I got some leakproof underwear that I’m so excited to try).

Why should you give reusable products a try?

Reusable period products are a healthy, cost-effective alternative to their disposable counterparts. Plus, remember that fact that it takes one tampon 500 years to compose? Reusable period products are a big step in our fight to promote environmental sustainability as they significantly reduce the plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and landfills.

Although I’ve dabbled in a few reusable period product options, I have never found just the right fit. This info session was exactly what I needed to take a step in reducing my environmental footprint. If you’re curious what the environmental impact of your menstruation is or how much money you spend on menstrual products, the Green Periods calculator offers some very interesting insight.

P.S. If promoting menstrual equity and ending period stigma is important to you and you’d like to help, consider joining me in volunteering with uOttawa’s Period Project. We provide free, environmentally friendly menstrual products all over campus, and spark open conversations to destigmatize menstruation using events like this Reusable Product Info Session!  

~ zoe mckittrick, period project CSL volunteer