Period poverty and greener periods

Period poverty means not being able to afford or access period products, safe toilets, or good information. The WHO describes menstrual poverty as lacking access to menstrual materials because of money. It hits hardest in low-income and crisis settings, but it happens in the UK too.

Help that exists in the UK

• England: schools and colleges can order free period products for pupils and students. Period pants and tights were added in 2022. The government says the scheme will continue for the 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028 school years, and now includes guidance on making products available during exams and sports events.
• Scotland: by law, free period products are available to anyone who needs them, from your local council, schools, colleges and universities. The PickupMyPeriod app and the MyPeriod website show where to find them.
• Wales: the Welsh Government funds councils to provide free products in schools, colleges and community places like libraries, leisure centres and food banks.
• Northern Ireland: the Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2022 places a duty on the Executive Office to make products free and available in suitable places. Provision is still rolling out, so check locally.
• Find yours: open More, then Free period products, to see each nation's scheme with its source. Splash never asks where you are.
• Tax: the UK removed VAT on period products (the "tampon tax") from 1 January 2021.
• Local food banks and charities often stock products too.

Greener choices

Reusables like cups, period pants and cloth pads cost more up front but can last a long time, which means less waste. A 2019 review of menstrual cups concluded they are safe, can save money and reduce waste, though study quality was mostly low. If reusables are not for you, that is okay too. Pads and tampons should be wrapped and put in the bin, never flushed, because sanitary items can block sewers.