| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.27 |
| Liaison | Veronica Johnson |
| Submission Date | Jan. 14, 2022 |
Southwestern University
IN-47: Innovation A
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Veronica
Johnson Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Management |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
The Office of Sustainability’s “Period Project” is a student-led initiative to provide free access to 100% organic tampons and pads as well as to give away menstrual cups. Since Spring 2020, pads and tampons from Aunt Flow, which are manufactured without synthetics, rayons, or dyes, are available in the first-floor restroom of McCombs Campus Center and the Corbin J. Robertson Center.
In Fall 2020, the Office of Sustainability partnered with OrganiCup to give all students who sign up a free menstrual cup. The Office of Sustainability also hosted a webinar titled “Sustainable Periods: Access, health, and impacts of single-use products” with the student leaders of the Reproductive Justice Alliance to raise awareness about the impacts of traditional single-use menstrual products.
The Period Project addresses social sustainability by alleviating the costs of period products. Such costs can become a serious burden to students with financial barriers, so the provision of easily accessible and free products can help relieve stress and anxiety. In addition, because unexpected periods have also caused people to leave work or school, providing easier access to sanitary products on campus can improve attendance in class and at co-curricular events. The OrganiCup giveaway and new availability of more sustainable menstrual products on campus are just another steps toward improving the lives of students on campus while advancing the cause of environmentalism.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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