The Period Problem

For this particular project I chose to focus on the feminine hygiene industry. An industry that hasn’t seen much innovation in the past few decades, the most popular products are ones that have been around since the early 20th century. They are disposable, non-recyclable and end up in landfill. Most of them are made out of plastic materials and can take over 100 years to decompose in nature. In the past 5-10 years periods in general have become a more open discussion and the market has seen some fresh solutions.

What drew me initially to the project was the environmental dilemma and low-key taboo around it. At first I interviewed both girls and guys for the project to get different perspectives on the topic. Both genders had a lot to say about it. I then interviewed girls further and showed them the Moon Cup.

My final output for the project was a video in which I showed girls the Moon Cup and asked them what they knew about it. Through my research I discovered that the age group I was aiming for trusts and values peer recommendations above any traditional advertising. The thought of using a cup for the first time can be nerve wracking therefore I wanted to show what it looks like, see their reactions and question why they use the products they use. After the interview I would offer them further information about the Moon Cup and where they could buy it if they were interested.

I later revisited the project and did a workshop, as part of a sexual education class, in a few secondary schools. This inspired me to further work on some educational material on the topic under the name “Period Perspectives”. A collection of insights from women with the aim of creating an inclusive conversation in classrooms.

This last image is an article I later wrote and illustrated on sustainable periods it was published in a magazine focused on sustainability, Í boði náttúrunnar, based in Reykjavík