Current Event - The Ruby Cup

So, this post is about a rather sensitive subject for many...PERIODS!

Still a taboo even in the most progressive and developed countries, it's something that women all over the planet live with, and it also happens to be a very significant source of waste, which, of course, means it has awesome sustainability potential. Ladies, I know we've all heard of menstrual cups before, I won't go into the details, but they aren't just for tree-hugging eccentrics anymore; menstrual cups are gaining popularity all over the world as a safe, sanitary, cost-effective (not to mention GREEN) way to manage one's period.

ENTER: The Ruby Cup.

I could have chosen any menstrual cup brand as a sustainable option, but Ruby Cup is special because not only does it embody the environmental benefits of using a menstrual cup, it's social justice efforts are through the roof. Ruby Cup has a "buy 1, give 1" program that many businesses are co-opting as a way to address social issues in poverty-stricken countries. For every Ruby Cup purchased, one is given at no cost to a girl in a developing country who cannot afford to buy sanitary products. Why is this important? Thousands of girls are forced to stay home from school every month because they can't afford products to manage their periods; they are deprived of an education because these basic products are beyond reach. Worse, many girls use harmful alternatives like rags or tree bark as a substitute, and it is not uncommon in African countries for a girl to sleep with a man in exchange for sanitary napkins. This is heartbreaking and unfair, and as I mentioned above, an issue like this often gets no help because of the cultural taboos associated with periods.

Sustainability benefits of using the Ruby Cup:

• Less Waste - The average women produces 300 pounds of waste from period products over her lifetime. Using a reusable product (lasts up to 10 years!) keeps resources from being used to make disposable products, and keeps them out of the landfill.
• Social Equality - Allowing women in developing countries to fulfill their educations is empowering and important; Ruby Cup's mission is such a wonderful way to support this.
• Cost Effectiveness - The average woman spends about $2000 on her period over her lifetime. Gals, we all know that stuff isn't cheap! Menstrual cups have a higher upfront cost but will pay for themselves almost immediately.

It's not something people like to talk about, but the "sustainable cycle" movement has potential to emanate great change.