Will you accept our challenge to try cloth pads?
OUR STORY
Hey there!
I'm Freeda, a social entrepreneur passionate about the environment and equality. Thanks for stopping by, it's a pleasure to e-meet you!
Since being introduced to the world of reusable cloth pads, there hasn't been a bone in me wanting to turn back to disposables! When I first saw a cloth pad hanging in my sister's room, my initial reaction was of confusion, disgust, surprise, acceptance and admiration all at once!
Soon after purchasing a few cloth pads, I took up sewing and began making them for myself, friends and family. Ecopads Australia was born! Since then I've sold hundreds of cloth pads at markets and through our online Etsy shop.
OUR PROJECT
A one-for-one model makes it possible to not only tackle environmental issues close to home, but also reach out to help girls have access to sanitation in developing countries. Ecopads has now sold cloth pads to customers throughout Australia and to many other countries including Vanuatu, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, Papua New Guinea, Ireland and the United Kingdom!
I'd love for you to join me on my journey to creating access to sanitation in developing countries by making cloth pads accessible to everyone, both here and abroad!
OUR IMPACT
Disposable pads are the 3rd largest contributor to landfill, so we provide girls and women the opportunity to make an environmentally conscious decision to manage their periods. We believe
that this small behavioural change can make a large impact on the environment and culture around menstruation. Period shaming is a confronting and pressing issue in developing countries, where women are shunned within the community. This is often a root cause for girls to drop out of school when beginning their cycles. Due to a lack of sanitary management at that time of month, we are providing a means for girls to access cloth pads through our one-for-one model. Not only are you making a beneficial choice for the environment, but also a socially valuable choice for a girl or women to enjoy a better quality of life.
WHY IT MATTERS
In making this crowdfund possible, we have partnered up with a social enterprise in India, called Eco Femme, who are helping to kick start the campaign by manufacturing high quality cloth pads. Sharing aligned values and passions for the environment, education and female empowerment, this partnership can only be secured by reaching the target value of $15,000 in 30 days!
Environment
Disposables take up to 800 years to decompose. With each woman experiencing an average of 520 menstrual cycles, the numbers really add up quickly!
(Image credit: Thanks to Eco Femme for this photograph of landfill in India)
Education
1 in 5 girls leave school in India, due to menstruation and lack of awareness around it.
(Image credit: Thanks to Eco Femme for this photograph of one of the girls educational workshops on grounds in India)
Empowerment
Provide job prospects to women on the ground in India. Photographed here are women employed by Eco Femme, in Auroville, India.
(Image credit: Thanks to Eco Femme for this photograph of women who are up-skilled and employed on the ground in India)
OUR TEAM
Just a little bit about myself; I come from a rich Cambodian cultural background. My parents were both born and raised in Cambodia, and fled to Australia after escaping the civil war, for a better life here. Born in Australia, I've grown up with a very multicultural upbringing, immersed in both western and eastern cultures. I believe this has hugely impacted and shaped my perceptions of the world and guided my personal values and passions for the environment, equality and human rights.
In helping to make this dream a reality, I am extremely grateful to have been selected into the IMPACT Academy Accelerator Program for 2016, who have not only fostered the growth and development of Ecopads Australia, but provided us with access to networks and ongoing one-on-one mentoring with Peter Ball.
The generosity received from our partnership with Christine Thai at ctwocreative has also been phenomenal, who has ensured a personalised approach in helping with the digital space, marketing and designs of our website and collateral.
Taking care of our public relations, we are thankful to have Carina Nguyen on board the team, who is passionate about making a meaningful impact in a life of someone less fortunate. Volunteers and supporters who have joined us on the journey are also part of the team, as none of this would exist without any of you.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. Pre-purchase/donate:
To make this a reality, we need your help! You can donate or pre-purchase your chosen amount of cloth pads through this campaign. If we are able to reach out to 428 people, who purchase the $35 'Three's a dream' pack, we'd be able to reach our tipping point of $15,000! That's probably half of your Facebook friends list!
2. Share:
To help raise awareness on the environmental and period shaming issues that exist, please share our crowdfunding campaign, start the conversation and challenge the norms!
FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ecopadsaustralia
Instagram: @ecopadsaustralia
YouTube: Ecopads Australia
Twitter: @ecopadsAU
CONNECT WITH US:
WATCH MORE VIDEOS ABOUT CLOTH PADS:
Practical guide: How to Clean Cloth Pads (Warning: REAL Soiled Pads)
Ecopads Australia guide: How to clean cloth pads
3 Hassles You Avoid with Cloth Pads
As seen in: Australian Natural Health Magazine, Reusables AUNZ Gifts4Good, One Woman Project, Mahdi Earth, Plantimal
