Menstrual cups are an environmentally sustainable, financially accessible, and healthy alternative to menstrual products currently sold at American University. For a class project, two American University students are advocating to bring menstrual cups to The Eagle's Nest and Build convenience stores on campus. 

In the United States, 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown away each year. This waste ends up in landfills, taking about 500 years to break down. This process emits methane into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change and its detrimental impacts. Menstrual cups are a sustainable alternative to these single-use products that can last up to 10 years before throwing away, reducing a substantial amount of waste. 

Financially, menstrual cups save people who menstruate thousands of dollars over their lifetime. The average menstrual cup costs $20-$40 to purchase and can last for 10 years. The average menstruating American spends $5,000 in single-use period products throughout their life. 

Menstrual cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone which provides a healthy alternative to tampons or pads that may contain chemicals such as bleach or dioxins. Also, since menstrual cups are designed to collect period blood rather than absorb it, this eliminates the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome associated with tampon use. 

We want to offer AU students and community members who menstruate an additional option for their period products. By bringing menstrual cups to American University, it will reduce waste, save people who menstruate money, and provide a healthy alternative to single-use products. Signing this petition will show American University your support for bringing menstrual cups to on-campus stores. We hope you will support this project by signing this petition!