Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon is using the period poverty campaign to help fight the climate crisis.
The parliamentarian whose campaign for free universal access to period products led to world-first legislation in Scotland has called on those who are involved in the international movement for menstrual justice to get behind reusable, sustainable products to help tackle the climate crisis.
Scotland became the first country in the world to introduce free access to period products when Monica Lennon’s bill passed through parliament last year.
The legislation, which gained cross-party support, makes it a legal requirement for period products, including tampons and towels, to be provided free of charge to anyone who needs them.
Under the legislation, it is up to local authorities to deliver the scheme and they can opt to include reusable products such as menstrual cups.
It has been estimated that between 1.5 and 2 billion menstrual items are flushed down Britain’s toilets each year . A person can use more than 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime.
Monica Lennon, is also Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Net Zero, Energy and Transport and sees that role as an opportunity to speak to bold solutions around single use plastic products while continuing the movement she began back in 2016.
She told Lanarkshire Live: “We all have a part to play in reducing the number of single use plastics in our lives, but reusable products need to be accessible via the multitude of free period product schemes that are now being delivered by universities, local authorities and businesses around the world.
“We’ve seen successful campaigns around cotton buds and plastic straws, so there’s clearly public demand for plastic-free products. Sometimes it’s as simple as having open conversations about the product options that are available out there. There are some amazing examples of organisations already doing work around awareness-raising and delivery.
“Our campaign in Scotland made it clear that when we talk openly about menstruation, we have the opportunity to shine a light on connected issues like poverty and, in this case, plastic pollution and climate change. I want to use my platform to keep that conversation going.”
