Campaigning organisation City to Sea and sustainable personal care brand Natracare have today announced a strategic new partnership which will educate the nation about the severity of hidden plastics in period products, push legislation, and empower people with ‘environmenstrual’ alternatives.
This new alliance comes at a critical time, where more people are searching for plastic-free solutions in response to the climate emergency. As experts in the subject of plastic free period products, Natracare and City to Sea are the perfect match for helping to raise awareness around this issue.
“I’m delighted to welcome Natracare to our family of Plastic-free Period Partners. I’ve long admired Natracare’s environmental credentials and pioneering leadership, so I’m thrilled they’re working alongside us to make periods better for the planet and our bodies,” says Natalie Fee, founder and CEO of City to Sea.
As part of Natracare’s 1% for the Planet commitment, 10p from every pack of Natracare plastic-free applicator tampons, sold in the UK, will go to City to Sea. This will help to support their education, lobbying and campaigning in 2021 – which will address these fundamental messages:
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Stop flushing period products!
The partnership comes at a pinnacle time when flushing habits may have worsened during lockdown. Around 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million pads and 700,000 panty liners are flushed every single day in the UK. Natracare and City to Sea want to amplify the message that ‘the toilet is NOT a bin’ and that plastic-free, biodegradable alternatives like Natracare’s tampons and pads can be composted at home.
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Are you aware of the hidden plastics?
Transparency is important in period products. There is no law to say brands must disclose their ingredients in their products which means many people are unaware of hidden plastics and chemicals in pads and tampons. In 2019, a study revealed 36g of plastic was found in every packet of conventional period pad, that’s 2.4g of plastic per pad, and 2.5g for the outer pack itself. That’s the equivalent of 5 plastic carrier bags per pack. The combined forces will ignite a strengthened campaign to push for transparency on labelling, help to disclose the hidden plastics, and highlight the importance of natural and organic ingredients in disposable period products as an alternative.
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Why is plastic-free better for your health?
Natracare often hear from their customers that conventional pads irritate the skin. Plastic and SAPs (petroleum derived polymer gels) in conventional period products are not breathable. This means wearing a plastic based pad can create a sweaty environment for the intimate area. It’s easy to not change these types of pad as frequently because the plastic will make them last longer, however it has more chance of creating an unhealthy environment that may dry out the skin. Natracare and City to Sea will help educate people about why natural alternatives can reduce skin irritation and will reduce exposure to dioxins and chemicals.
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Periods are diverse, so let’s talk about it!
Both organisations also have a shared mission to end period stigmas and address marginalised voices in period narratives. City to Sea and Natracare will ensure that these diverse voices are addressed and language in society is as inclusive as possible when talking about periods. Language is powerful and ending period stigma in 2021 is essential.
Find out more about City to Sea’s Plastic in Period’s campaign.
Notes to editors:
For logos and images, please visit: Natracare Press Centre
City to Sea is a not-for-profit organisation campaigning against plastic pollution. Their mission is to connect our actions to the oceans, by giving people and businesses from all backgrounds simple ways to make a significant difference.
Natalie Fee is an award-winning environmentalist, author, speaker and founder of City to Sea, a UK-based organisation running campaigns to stop plastic at source. In 2019 Natalie won The Sunday Times Volvo Visionaries Award for her campaign work with City to Sea, and in 2018 she was listed as one of the UK’s ‘50 New Radicals’ by The Observer / Nesta.
Natracare is the first company in the world to provide plastic-free, certified organic cotton tampons and totally chlorine-free sanitary pads and panty liners. Natracare products are biodegradable and can even be composted. Susie Hewson created the brand in 1989 in response to the growing danger to human health and the environment from dioxin pollution in the pulping industries with the chlorine bleaching of paper products.
1% for the Planet members commit 1% of their annual company turnover (not profits!) to non-profit organisations and charities that protect the environment. Having started in 2002, the 1% for the Planet community is now operating in 60 countries, with over 2,000 business members donating every single year to help give back to the planet.
