[Urbania] - Free (and healthy) menstrual products in the workplace

Quebec-based Iris + Arlo has arrived in our washrooms with a mission of social equity.

On December 15, all federally-regulated companies will be required to offer free menstrual products to their employees. It's a new measure that's likely to lead to huge growth for Lara Emond's young company, Iris + Arlo.

In fact, over 150 organizations are already on the order books of Iris + Arlo, which Lara describes as "an impact brand that goes beyond the sale of menstrual products". Yes, it sells tampons and pads, but it also has the much broader mission of fighting menstrual precariousness and offering a healthy alternative to "traditional" products.

How much does it cost to menstruate?

A 2019 study by Plan International Canada Inc. revealed that 34% of Canadian women and girls have had to make financial sacrifices to purchase menstrual products. Lara laments these figures, which reflect a phenomenon known as "period poverty".

"A MENSTRUATING WOMAN WILL SPEND AN AVERAGE OF $6,000 ON MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS OVER THE COURSE OF HER LIFE. AND THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE MEDICATION OR MISSED DAYS AT WORK", SAYS LARA.

Well aware that these financial and professional sacrifices are a luxury that few can afford, Lara has equipped her young company with a philanthropic strategy of which she is very proud. "With every purchase, we give products back to the community, so that people who don't have access to products can have them. It's a question of dignity," she asserts.

But menstrual poverty isn't limited to financial issues, it also refers to the blatant lack of education when it comes to menstruation, explains the entrepreneur.

"1 IN 4 YOUNG PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT MENSTRUATION IS, AND 1 IN 3 DON'T KNOW HOW TO MANAGE IT."

So not only are periods poorly managed, they're also poorly understood - and not just among young people. To make up for this lack of education, Lara has chosen to create a "support offer for implementation [within companies]. We offer educational tools and guides. We also provide a social and environmental impact report," she proudly explains.

A healthy alternative

If accessibility is at the heart of Lara's concerns, so is health. "Iris + Arlo actually started when I picked up a box of towels and couldn't find the components on it. I didn't think it was right, as it's a product that comes into contact with our private parts."