Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 66.48
Liaison Dayna Cook
Submission Date Sept. 28, 2020

STARS v2.2

Northern Arizona University
IN-49: Innovation C

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Matthew Muchna
Sustainability Manager
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Green Time of the Month-Sustainable Menstruation

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:

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.


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 programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.