What is the problem you are trying to solve?
Disposable feminine sanitary pads contribute to increased household waste across the globe. In the Pacific this remains a bigger issue due to a lack of alternatives available for women and girls that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Pacific island countries and territories are isolated by the Pacific ocean, making solid waste management an even greater challenge.
How does your idea help solve the problem?
By producing and selling reusable sanitary pads that are durable and made of natural fibers, women and girls have an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to single use, disposable sanitary pads made of toxic plastic materials.
What inspired you to do this?
Growing up in Samoa I learned early on about the negative impacts of human activities on our islands and our backyard, the Pacific ocean. Since I began working for an environmental organisation, my belief in leading a low-carbon lifestyle has strengthened. When I first learned about the use of reusable sanitary pads in assisting rural girls and women living in poverty, the environmentally friendly aspect stuck with me and I questioned why I ever used disposable pads and tampons. But the answer was simple: in Samoa and the Pacific, there are no alternatives.
As a result, this project has been something I've wanted to do for a long time, but never had the money to do before now.
Bio
Frances Angelica Salele is a Samoan national and works for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Her background is in Political Science and Criminology, but she has always had an interest in protecting the environment, as well as how humans assist or hinder conservation efforts and why. As a mother, she is highly committed to protecting our environment for her children and ensuring they have a safe and secure future.
