We are delighted to announce becoming one of the Official Sponsors of Cancer my Arse
CANCER MY ARSE! aims to raise awareness and much needed funds for Cancer charities, perhaps to save you or a loved one at some point in the future.
We have offered a male disposal unit for some time now but didn’t really understand the true requirements of the need until we sat down with Kevin Griffiths. Kev is a local business man who is a stoma user since having intrusive surgery as part of his bowel cancer diagnosis.
It is estimated 1 in 335 people in the UK are living with a stoma.
Some of the reasons for having a stoma
Cancer
Trauma/Perforation
Severe constipation
Damage after radiation treatment
It is already stressful for users to be out and about and need to find suitable washroom facilities. They are entitled to use accessible toilets, yet 25% have reported being verbally abused for having a ‘hidden condition’. The users need facilities to be able to change the bag, wash their hands, dispose of the bag in a waste unit. They do not want to have to carry a doggy bag around – they have the right to dignity and to prevent embarassment a disposal unit should be readily available for their use.
We are working to break the taboo on health related issues and normalise being able to talk openly. If you don’t know someone with a stoma or a male with urinary incontinence, perhaps you need to consider they haven’t shared this personal information with you, rather than it doesn’t exist.
Our units will now display a QR code for you to find out more information about the cause and also links to support from the charities.
Please help us to support Cancer my Arse ,talk to your employer, encourage the awareness and even join in to Kev’s cycling challenge
Whether you’re at work, in public places, or at home, figuring out the best way to dispose of tampons can be unclear. While sanitary products are usually reserved for designated sanitary bins, many people wonder if tampons and pads can be flushed.
Let’s explore why flushing tampons isn’t recommended. At B Hygienic, we’re committed to providing solutions for responsible disposal of sanitary products and breaking down stigmas around menstrual hygiene.
The Impact of Flushing Tampons
Did you know that it’s estimated that between 1.5 to 2 billion menstrual products are flushed in the UK each year! This staggering number poses serious concerns for plumbing, the environment, and even health.
Imagine this: You flush a tampon or pad down the toilet, thinking that it will disappear like toilet paper. But here’s the thing, sanitary products are made to absorb and hold onto moisture, so they don’t break down easily in water. Before you know it, these items can clog up plumbing, leading to backups and overflows that are not only inconvenient but can also be expensive to repair.
The issue doesn’t stop at the plumbing within a property. Flushed sanitary products can travel through pipes and clog up the municipal sewer system, causing big-time blockages. This can lead to nasty sewage spills that that pose serious health and environmental hazards. Local councils spend significant resources addressing these clogs, which could be avoided with proper disposal practices.
Environmental Consequences
Flushing sanitary products has a ripple effect on our environment. When these items reach rivers, lakes, and oceans, they contribute to water pollution. Many sanitary products contain plastic (one estimate is that pads are made of up to 90% plastic), which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, harming marine life and degrading ecosystems. By choosing to dispose of these products correctly, we help to protect our planet’s precious waterways.
Key Stats:
It has been estimated that of the 4.3 billion menstrual products used each year in the UK between 1.5-2 billion are flushed. This equates to 35-47% of all used products.
There are approximately 300,000 sewer blockages every year across the United Kingdom, costing roughly £100 million to address.
The 2022 Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Beachwatch Report, found that sewage-related debris, which contains single-use period products, comprised 15% of the total litter items recorded on surveyed beaches throughout the UK.
Sanitary items often contain plastics, which persist for long periods in the environment, breaking down over time into smaller and smaller pieces (eventually becoming microplastics).
Why Do People Flush Tampons?
A key issue in the proper disposal of sanitary products is that many people are unaware that sanitary products should not be flushed. There is a significant lack of awareness about the consequences of flushing these items. Other reasons for flushing include insufficient access to sanitary bins, bins being full, or not having a bathroom bin at home.
These factors highlight that tampon flushing is avoidable, and increasing awareness, education, and access to appropriate disposal facilities could greatly reduce the problem.
A Simple Solution
The solution is simple: use designated sanitary disposal units that are provided in restrooms. Sanitary disposal units are specifically designed to handle sanitary waste, ensuring that the waste is managed hygienically and responsibly. By using these units, we can prevent plumbing problems, reduce maintenance costs, and protect the environment.
Tampons should never be flushed. By providing proper disposal facilities and promoting awareness (ensuring that workplaces and public facilities have visible signs reminding users not to flush tampons), businesses and organisations can prevent plumbing problems, lower maintenance costs, and play a crucial role in reducing the impact of tampon waste on our environment.
In today’s world, where the availability of fundamental needs is frequently assumed, a silent yet pervasive issue persists: period poverty. It’s a battle fought in the shadows, where access to something as basic as menstrual hygiene products can determine a person’s dignity, health, and opportunities. While it may seem like a simple matter, the ramifications of period poverty are profound and far-reaching…
What is “Period Poverty”?
Period poverty is a pressing issue that affects individuals worldwide, particularly those in low-income communities. It refers to the inability of individuals to afford or access essential menstrual hygiene products, sanitation facilities, and education about menstruation.
At its core, period poverty is a matter of equity and dignity. For many individuals, the monthly arrival of menstruation brings not only physical discomfort but also the anxiety of not having the means to manage it adequately.
Inadequate access to menstrual products can lead to the use of unsanitary alternatives, such as rags or tissue, which can increase the risk of infections and other health complications. Furthermore, the lack of access to proper sanitation facilities exacerbates the challenges faced by those menstruating, particularly in public spaces and schools.
The impact of period poverty extends beyond immediate health concerns to encompass broader social and economic inequalities. In many communities, menstruation is still shrouded in stigma and taboo, leading to feelings of shame and embarrassment among those experiencing it. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help or support, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty and marginalisation.
The Impact of Period Poverty
Period poverty significantly impacts numerous individuals globally, especially women and girls, including those in the UK. The lack of access to affordable menstrual products and adequate sanitation not only compromises physical health but also hinders education, economic involvement, and overall welfare.
• Research by Plan International UK indicates that 1-in-10 girls (aged 14 to 21) are facing period poverty in the UK.
According to a WaterAid survey, the cost-of-living crisis has had a devastating impact on people who menstruate in the UK. To commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day, the global charity surveyed 2,000 British people who menstruate (aged 14 to 50). The survey revealed alarming methods that people are resorting to in order to cut expenses, such as:
• Nearly a quarter (24%) of women and girls in the UK indicated difficulty affording period products within the past year.
• Almost a third (32%) expressed concerns about their ability to afford these products in the future.
• 20% of the girls and women surveyed resorted to makeshift materials, such as toilet paper or sponges, to manage their periods.
• 26% wore period products for longer than recommended, risking their health.
• 15% missed school or work due to affordability issues.
Fighting Period Poverty
However, amidst these challenges, there are signs of progress. Activists, organisations (such as Period Power, and communities are coming together to tackle period poverty head-on.
Education emerges as a potent tool in this battle. By breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and by providing thorough menstrual health education, we can empower individuals to take charge of their own health and well-being. From classrooms to community centres, initiatives are teaching both boys and girls about menstruation, challenging taboos, stigmas, and promoting gender equality.
Access to affordable menstrual products is another critical area of focus. From grassroots initiatives that distribute free pads to government policies that eliminate sales taxes on menstrual products, there is a growing recognition that menstrual hygiene is a basic human right, not a luxury.
B Hygienic actively contributes to combating period poverty through several initiatives. As a dedicated provider for the PickUpMyPeriod campaign, we support efforts to provide free period products to those in need. This campaign directs users to the nearest location offering free period products, utilising GPS location or entered postcodes for accuracy. Users can also filter product types and information is available on the location of the products within the building, allowing users to maintain discretion.
We’ve also organised a fundraising campaign that involves a hike up Snowdon in June. The proceeds will support Period Power, a charity that provides period products to organisations across the Midlands, ensuring access for anyone who menstruates. Our goal is to raise £1,000, which will enable Period Power to distribute over 7,000 sanitary pads to those in need.
To mitigate the impact of period poverty on education, we are providing free vending machines for sanitary products in schools. These vending machines ensure that students have convenient access to essential menstrual products, thereby removing barriers to learning that are caused by period poverty. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.
The fight against period poverty is far from over, but with each small victory, we come closer to a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, health, or dignity. It’s a future where all individuals, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to thrive. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, break down the barriers, and build a world where periods are no longer a source of shame, but a symbol of strength and resilience.
It’s that time of year again – Cervical Screening Awareness Week (17th June to 23rd June)! This is a great chance to shine a light on a crucial aspect of women’s health: cervical screening. Whether you are already in the know or you’re hearing about it for the first time, let’s delve into why this week matters and how you can participate.
What Is Cervical Screening Awareness Week?
Cervical Screening Awareness Week, held every June, is all about spreading the word and educating everyone on the importance of cervical screening. It’s an opportunity to encourage more women to attend their screenings and to clear up any misconceptions or fears. With increased awareness, we can significantly improve early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
Cervical screening, often known as a smear test, is a quick and simple procedure that can detect abnormal cells on the cervix. These cells, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer. Early detection through regular screening can save lives, plain and simple. It’s one of the best tools we have in the fight against cervical cancer.
Tackling Fears and Misconceptions
We get it – smear tests can seem intimidating. But understanding what to expect can help to ease those worries. The procedure is quick, usually just a few minutes, and healthcare professionals are there to make you as comfortable as possible. A cervical smear test shouldn’t be painful, but it might feel a bit uncomfortable. If you’re concerned about potential discomfort, your GP or practice nurse can discuss ways to make the test more comfortable for you. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to express any concerns that you have.
A cervical screening test examines the cervix for abnormal cell changes. Screening is essential because these changes typically don’t present symptoms. By detecting abnormal cell changes early, including those most likely to develop into cancer, the screening enables prompt treatment. This proactive approach is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer.
The Benefits of Cervical Screening
Let’s talk benefits – because there are plenty!
Peace of Mind: Regular screenings can provide reassurance that you’re in good health or will catch issues early before they become serious.
Early Detection Saves Lives:Detecting abnormal cells early allows for treatment before the cells develop into cancer.
Early intervention is often simpler and more effective.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement towards better health for all women. By raising awareness and supporting each other, we can encourage more women to attend their screenings and ultimately save lives.
In 2010, B Hygienic launched its ThinkPink campaign – a long-term commitment to supporting cancer prevention. As part of our commitment, we have pledged to make regular donations to charities and to actively support them by visiting centres, sharing updates, and assisting with fundraising activities. Also, to further raise awareness, we introduced our distinct and eye-catching “Pink Range” of products.
So, let’s get talking! Share information, book your screenings, and support others in doing the same. Together, we can make a huge impact. Here’s to a healthier, happier future for all women!
For more information and resources, check out the NHS website. Let’s keep the conversation going and make a difference!
This year, Earth Day is demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040, with the ultimate goal of ending plastic production altogether.
The theme ‘planet vs plastic’ is one which on this awareness day, we all play a part in.
Recycling can help reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills or the environment, however it does have limitations in terms of its impact on carbon emissions and microplastic pollution.
Here are some of things B Hygienic have done so far:
– Introduced a plastic and cardboard recycling station for all office based rubbish – the DEFRA regulation comes into force in March 2025 – preparing early for this is key to the success.
– Recycling stations for all cardboard, plastic waste from customer installations
– Educated our team on eco friendly products within the workplace
– Source eco-friendly materials – banning wipes containing plastic – this will soon be enforced by the government.
– Look for alternative forms of packaging
– Supported Unblocktober – a reminder of the collective responsibility we have in maintaining clean and hygienic washrooms.
– Big Blue Ocean Clean Up – renewed our partnership. We all have a responsibility to ensure we are working towards better sustainability, which means we can meet our own needs without compromising future generations
– Audit and minimise single-use plastics
We asked one of our youngest supporters Havanna, to draw the earth (see the photo attached) and to explain in her own words what she thinks World Earth Day is about; “Picking up plastic and all rubbish, so that animals can run around and have a good life”.
We think Havanna says it best – we all have a part to play
and we should do this for our future generations.
If you would like to discuss options for your business to reduce plastics – we can help.
