SNP members have overwhelmingly supported a resolution backing a scheme to provide reusable and biodegradable period products for free across Scotland.
The "sustainable period products" resolution was passed on the second day of the conference by 484 votes for yes, to seven for no.
The resolution was introduced by Gaela Hanlon, SNP Youth Officer for Alloa, and aims to “boost the work to eradicate period poverty” whilst also being conscious of the environmental impact of period products.
It supports the introduction of a scheme to provide free reusable period products through a "starter kit" whilst also looking into biodegradable options, as reusable products are not always suitable for everyone.
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The delegates heard from five female SNP members and politicians who went into detail about how the scheme could work and the benefits it would provide for those on a low income.
Hanlon, who said she started researching reusable period products after considering the environmental impact of them after the birth of her daughter, said that the SNP baby box inspired her to lodge the resolution.
She told delegates that after her daughter was born she was not in a financial position to try out multiple reusable products and had concerns after she discovered it takes 500 years for one disposable pad to break down.
Hanlon said: “Something occurred to me after I put my daughter to bed in the beautiful baby that the SNP had provided for families like mine that needed additional support.
Hanlon told SNP members of her concerns about the impact of disposable period products on the environment
“Why can’t we provide the same support for those unable financially to choose more eco friendly sanitary products?
“Unfortunately the fact of the matter is, not everyone can afford reusable sanitary products.
“I believe that by offering a starter kit of reusable sanitary products and given the education required to use them, we can take two birds with one stone.
“We can encourage people to make a switch to more environmentally friendly products and we can make another strong effort to end period poverty.
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“By covering the up front cost of switching, and by adding more education, people who are happy to make the switch will no longer be held back by their financial situation or a lack of information.”
Hanlon added that reusable products could reduce a person's environmental impact by 90%.
Fife Councillor Laura Murtagh seconded the resolution and discussed the harm disposable products cause our environment by ending up in landfills in “vast quantities”, and “sadly and harmfully in our oceans too”.
Murtagh added that tackling climate change and making positive choices regarding period dignity “cannot be the preserve of the wealthy”.
Kirsty Jarvis, from the SNP Mid Fife and Glenrothes branch, also supported the resolution and said that it would save the Scottish Government £400 per person over a ten year period.
She added that the scheme is an “opt-in scheme” and those who cannot use reusable products for any reason will still have access to alternatives - such as biodegradable options.
Kat Cary (pictured), from the Edinburgh City branch, succinctly explained why when she spoke in support of the motion.
She said: “A homeless woman might not be able to safely use a moon cup or have a reliable place to wash reusable pads for period pants.
“Disabled people have their own specific needs that will vary from person to person.
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“Immigrants, especially refugees, might have overlapping language barriers, cultural norms and be going it alone without the advice of their sisters or mothers.”
SNP MSP Siobhan Brown also backed the resolution and said as we move to becoming a “net zero nation” that safe and sustainable period products “should be the norm”.
She added: “Making the transition to re-useable and sustainable products makes complete sense as we address the climate emergency.
"However, it’s not just beneficial for the environment. It is cost effective too.”
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