Ending the Stigma in Environmental Law - The Sustainability of Menstruation Products
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
N/A
Proposal
Given the alarming rate of climate change and the resulting negative impact to the environment, there is a dire need to look at non-traditional sources of environmental pollution.This requires going beyond societal norms and encouraging discussions surrounding topics that are typically considered to be taboo. Non-reusable menstruation products result in approximately 250 to 300 pounds of waste per menstruator over the lifetime of an individual. In Canada, approximately 771 000 000 non-reusable products are disposed of annually. One of the greatest challenges associated with the discussion of menstruation in environmental law is the stigma and stereotypes surrounding the topic. This argumentative legal paper aims to bring the discussion of menstruation and its impact on the environment to the forefront of environmental law by discussing the impact of menstruation products and providing policy recommendations to improve the sustainability of menstruation products within Canada.The paper begins by recognizing the importance of the language used in discussing the topic and the concept of period poverty. Research on the sustainability of menstruation products is limited in Canada. This paper examines the available data to further develop and understanding of the environmental impact of menstruation products. This paper then discusses the current international and domestic environmental law framework, specifically focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to develop a foundational understanding of the law surrounding the area for the reader and provides recommendations.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Ending the Stigma in Environmental Law - The Sustainability of Menstruation Products
Given the alarming rate of climate change and the resulting negative impact to the environment, there is a dire need to look at non-traditional sources of environmental pollution.This requires going beyond societal norms and encouraging discussions surrounding topics that are typically considered to be taboo. Non-reusable menstruation products result in approximately 250 to 300 pounds of waste per menstruator over the lifetime of an individual. In Canada, approximately 771 000 000 non-reusable products are disposed of annually. One of the greatest challenges associated with the discussion of menstruation in environmental law is the stigma and stereotypes surrounding the topic. This argumentative legal paper aims to bring the discussion of menstruation and its impact on the environment to the forefront of environmental law by discussing the impact of menstruation products and providing policy recommendations to improve the sustainability of menstruation products within Canada.The paper begins by recognizing the importance of the language used in discussing the topic and the concept of period poverty. Research on the sustainability of menstruation products is limited in Canada. This paper examines the available data to further develop and understanding of the environmental impact of menstruation products. This paper then discusses the current international and domestic environmental law framework, specifically focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to develop a foundational understanding of the law surrounding the area for the reader and provides recommendations.