Student initiative promotes green period products

A urinary tract infection in 2016 led Priyanshi (last name withheld on request), a class 11 student of VidyaGyan school at Noida in Uttar Pradesh, to explore the menstrual cup as a hygienic, eco-friendly and cost-effective solution alternative to sanitary pads. She then started the ‘Bleed Green’ endeavour to reduce menstrual waste on the campus and cultivate an eco-conscious environment.

VidyaGyan, a residential school established in 2009 by the Shiv Nadar Foundation, nurtures gifted students from economically underserved rural backgrounds by providing them with high-quality education.

Openly discussing the topic proved to be difficult due to the prevailing silence and discomfort associated with menstruation in general. Moreover, social acceptance posed a challenge, as some individuals believed that using products like the menstrual cup compromised a girl’s virginity due to the requirement of insertion.

What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup?

“It was after extensive research and discussions with teachers and friends that I discovered that the menstrual cup was relatively unknown among them as well,” said Priyanshi.

The objective of Bleed Green is to reduce the significant amounts of sanitary waste generated on campus. By advocating the adoption of menstrual cups, which are reusable and can last for 10-12 years, the initiative provides an economical and environmentally friendly option. 

Initially an internal campus initiative, Bleed Green has now extended its reach to neighbouring villages, aiming to promote sustainable menstrual care among women and girls. The ultimate goal is to save money, prioritise health and contribute to the preservation of the environment.

Bleed Green has achieved two notable triumphs during its journey so far. The initiative successfully partnered with Stonesoup, an organisation that provides sustainable menstrual solutions. This collaboration strengthened the campaign’s outreach and enabled knowledge sharing, enhancing the overall impact. 

The initiative also established a connection with TAD The Active Dreams, an NGO based at Dadri in the National Capital Region. Bleed Green has connected with students from Shiv Nadar School, Noida, and Shiv Nadar University, Dadri to raise awareness about the positive impact of using a menstrual cup.

This collaboration amplified the organisation’s ability to make a difference by leveraging shared resources and expertise.

The road ahead

Through these efforts, Bleed Green aims to improve the overall well-being of women, contribute to environmental sustainability and drive positive social change.

“The journey of raising awareness about menstrual sustainability has been a profound learning experience. It has taught me valuable life skills such as persistence, passion and patience,” Priyanshi said.

She feels that changing mindsets and breaking taboos are challenging endeavours. She, however, has learned to accept rejection and failure, embracing them as opportunities for growth and using her learnings to persist until she succeeds.

In the future, Bleed Green aims to scale its programme by continuing to spread awareness about menstrual cups. The initiative plans to extend its reach to different communities through avenues such as street plays, posters and online platforms, maximising its impact and raising more awareness about the positive implications of using a menstrual cup.