Hi super supporters,
I’m updating this morning to share what happened when I doorstepped Procter & Gamble to speak to them and return the giant applicator.
Firstly, I just want to say thank you for taking action with me during this. Although I was there alone, I didn’t feel alone with all the support I had from you. It has also had fantastic media coverage, being featured in the Guardian, Euronews, 20 Minutes, and more.
DAY 1: I arrived at Procter & Gamble’s headquarters with the giant applicator in hand ready to speak to someone. Their communications director came out to speak to me, and advised she would pass on my feedback and discuss the commitments the campaign is calling on them to make to the relevant team.
Not satisfied with this response I waited and despite knowing I was coming, no decision maker, who can effect change within Tampax and Always was available to speak to me.
DAY 2: I went back to their headquarters in the hope of speaking to a decision maker from the Tampax & Always senior management team. They weren't available.
The same communications director and her colleague came out, and unfortunately, even though she said she would discuss my commitments with the decision makers at P&G, they are still not able to commit to making any changes.
I am incredibly frustrated that they kept focusing the conversation around the need to educate consumers on not flushing. They are the source of this single-use plastic and by tackling it at source we prevent all negative environmental impacts.
They said change takes time. I pointed out that everyone else I've met is taking steps in the right direction, and that as the global period industry leader, they should be leading, not falling behind.
I then returned the giant tampon applicator to them as a representation of the global plastic pollution they are responsible for. They have invited me to a virtual meeting at a later date. I've requested that they respond publicly to the commitments the campaign is calling on them to make.
Thank you again for all the support, I will keep you updated regarding their response.
Ella :)
#EndPeriodPlastic