It is shocking to know that disposable period products contain so much plastic! Pads can contain up to 90% plastic and tampons although a cotton, rayon blend often contain polyester too but are frequently packaged in plastic or come with a plastic applicator. The average woman can use 10,000 of these items in her menstrual lifetime. Many of these get flushed down the toilet and in 2017 the marine conservation society found a large increase in sanitary product marine pollution on the British shores.

There are lots of alternative products on the market so you can have a plastic free period ranging in price and review. I am personally a great fan of the moon cup, it took some time to get use to it but now I am, it was a brilliant investment. I also use cloth sanitary products as an extra layer of security and when the end is nigh. I did not even have to buy my CSPs (cloth sanitary products) I made them with Aunty flow! There are so much more comfy than sanitary towels and easier than you think to look after. A rinse when you are done, pop them in soak and then a hot wash in the machine.

Trying to make as little environmental impact as possible we made them from upcycling brushed cotton PJs, waterproofing from old umbrellas and the absorbent core from old towels! (There may have been some pretty remnants thrown in there too to add a bit of fun.) You can hand sew or use a machine (any skill level can come and Aunty Flo will help you). We have 3 x 1 hour slots available with a maximum of 6 sewers per slot to give you the best help and guidance Aunty Flo can provide (as well as cake and a chat). If you finish your pad in super speed then Auny flo is also collecting pads for women in Uganda so you can quickly make another one or make one to donate when you get home.

Find the next cloth sanitary pad workshop in store or online here.

Some sewing machines will be available but if you wish to bring your own please do.