A small group of year 8 students from Frome first heard about period poverty and the environmental and health cost of menstrual products, something clicked. Inspired by talks from Green and Healthy Frome’s Plastic-Free Periods campaign, led by Poppy Widdows, they decided to take action — raising money, spreading awareness, and changing the conversation around menstruation, one book sale at a time.
“I was shocked to learn how many people live in period poverty and can’t get the products they need,” said Poppy Widdows. “And then hearing about how much plastic is in traditional products — the waste, the pollution — it just made me want to help.”
In the UK, an estimated 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million pads and 700,000 pantyliners are flushed down the toilet every day, contributing to ocean pollution and microplastic contamination. The students, after visiting a water treatment facility, saw this problem firsthand — witnessing sanitary products caught in the waste system. “There were loads of pads and tampons just stuck there,” they said. “It really hit home how much damage this causes.”
But these young activists weren’t content with just learning. They got to work.
Their first fundraising event, a book sale set up in their garden at their home in Frome, brought in over £282 thanks to in-person donations and an online donation page (Justgiving.com/crowdfunding/plasticfreeperiods) with an outpouring of community support. With an aim of raising £750, they’ve already got their sights set on future events, joining the Plastic Free. Period. Team at the pop-up stall at the Westway Precinct on the 5th March. They are also hoping to do another bake and book sale in April. Wiith the money raised they hope to give more women access to good, environmentally friendly period products, all while educating and raising awareness around the subject.
“It’s been nice serving people and talking to them about the campaign,” one girl said, beaming with pride. “It feels like we’re actually making a difference.”
Many of their peers were unaware of the harmful toxins that standard plastic period products contain, and the girls see education as a key part of their mission. They’ve already started encouraging their friends to try reusables and organic options, helping normalise sustainable choices before periods even start.
“We like to be prepared,” they mentioned. “I’ve got a reusable pad in my school bag, just in case.”
This proactive approach is exactly what Green and Healthy Frome champions: equipping people with knowledge and resources to make sustainable changes. And in this case, it’s never been more powerful than when actioned by the young, leading them to start to start and finish a lifetime of periods with sustainable, healthier options. With a mission to inspire and support people to make healthier and more sustainable changes in their everyday lives, this project proves that small actions can lead to lasting impact.
Their activism doesn’t stop at periods. Poppy’s friend spoke passionately about her English project on deforestation, highlighting her desire for broader environmental change. “There’s no planet B,” she said. “If everyone just did a little bit, we could make the world a better place.”
For these students, “a little bit” means a lot: raising funds, talking to classmates – both male and female – and breaking down stigmas. “I wish people weren’t shy or ashamed to talk about periods,” one said. “It’s just part of life, and it’s powerful — we literally sync up with the moon!”
Their work is a reminder that change doesn’t have to come from politicians or global organisations. It can start with a conversation in a school hallway, a poster in the office, or a homemade cookie at a bake sale.
“We want people to realise that it’s not too late to change,” they said. “There are many different products, there are more eco options to choose from than the traditional plastic products. By understanding all your options and trying different options, your world opens up. And if we keep spreading the word, maybe every school will start offering plastic-free products. That would be amazing.”
In a world where bad news stories speak louder than the good, it is refreshing to hear of such young passion and determination paving the way for the greater good. Inspiring hope for a world where people and the planet can thrive.
Because, as these girls have already proven, small actions, especially when powered by young voices, can create ripples that change the tide.