Northern Arizona University
IN-49: Innovation C

In the Spring of 2019, NAU made a groundbreaking stride forward in sustainability and women's health advocacy by offering 1,200 free menstrual cups to the student body through Health Promotion in the Health and Learning Center. This project, spearheaded by the Green Fund, was an ongoing collaboration between NAU's Health Promotion Office, the Honor's College, and Dot International. Dot International is a company that produces menstrual cups with the purpose of empowering women around the world. For every Dot cup purchased, the company will donate another Dot cup to a women who lacks easy access to feminine hygiene products.

The launch was follow by a conversational event on female health, empowerment, and sustainability. Represented on a speaker panel were Faculty from Public Health, Staff from Health Promotions, and the lead representative from Dot International. There was a beginning discussion about 'period poverty' follow by Question and Answers.

Offering free menstrual cups to a student body is something that virtually no other institution has accomplished. It is estimated that each menstruating individual generates about 300 pounds of waste using disposable products. If all 1,200 menstrual cups are distributed and used, it would prevent 3,600 pounds of waste from entering the waste stream.

Menstrual cups are also a more healthy alternative to traditional menstrual products. While tampons and pads contain harmful chemicals such as bleach, menstrual cups are made out of medical-grade silicone. They can be reused for years, making them more sustainable and assisting those who face "period poverty" or a limited access to menstrual products.They are an affordable alternative.