Since being involved in a local Friends of the Earth group more than thirty years ago I have tried to tread lightly on this planet. All my decisions are made based on my understanding that however small my action, it will have consequences either good or not so good. It would be easy to believe that one person is hardly likely to affect positive environmental change, but this is what I told my children and I have led by example. It has felt like a very lonely place sometimes, but it has also helped me to find purpose and focus my direction in all aspects of my life.  
 
Five years ago, I was commissioned to design and make reusable menstrual pads for a client of my sewing business. At the time, this small project seemed no different to any other, but the more I researched the more I realised that actually this product has the potential to make a positive impact on the environment and as importantly on women - emotionally, ethically and health wise. I was very excited.
 
Washable menstrual pads have grown in popularity over the past few years, as women dis-engage from the ‘dirty blood’ narrative that has kept menstrual conversations suppressed. Many have wholeheartedly engaged with the global concern for our ecosystem at the same time as embracing their periods as a natural bodily process. As a result of this sea change, reusable pads are now viewed as a viable alternative to disposables for eco conscious people. (I purposely use ‘people’ because not all women menstruate and not all menstruators are women)
 
However unless you have tried reusable pads, you may not know that most are poorly designed, allowing the pad to twist or slide back and forth along the knicker gusset and wearers regularly need to re-adjust them throughout the day. Many pads are cheaply made, using planet-harming fabrics and processes, and are imported from the far east where claims of sustainability go unchecked. I set about designing a reusable pad that is ethical, comfortable, absorbent and fits properly.
 
JUNO pads have been tried and tested by women of different ages, body types and menstrual flows, and I am constantly encouraged by the reviews which are uplifting and heart-warming. They are the reason I keep making them. My daughter was first to try them and she was less than enthusiastic but five years on, she hasn’t purchased a single disposable pad, and tells everyone with great pride about her transition to reusable ones. She says ‘it's pretty easy once you get into the swing and it makes me feel like I’m doing something good’. I feel very proud to have made a small difference in some peoples lives.

At first it felt odd writing an ‘about us’ page because I work alone. This is my website, the pads are my registered design, I make them, promote them, sell, package and post them, but to claim that I do this alone is not true. There is a small team of people who make them happen...
 
My daughter Chlöe cuts the wings out on her laser machine. The wings, consisting of three layers, have to be precisely cut and symmetrical and hand cutting rarely achieves this, besides it means I can spend the day with her. Chlöe’s part in making these pads is essential. My son Alex helps me put the snaps on the wings. Because I use metal snaps to avoid buying more plastic, I attach them with a heavy mechanical press which sometimes causes me shoulder pain so Alex and I do them together and he does the hard bit. His part in making these pads is appreciated. My daughter Holly is my product tester, my first guinea-pig and now my proof reader. She checks my Instagram posts and my website copy and she doesn't hold back. Her part in making these pads is honesty. My son Dale has helped me with aesthetics. He has so often stopped his own work to help me to upload images or clean up backgrounds when my frustrations have left me in tears. His part in making these pads is generosity. And then there are all the women who have tried and tested these pads and fed back to me so that I can improve them, and they include Tanya, Katherine, Rosie, Karen any many more.  Their part in making these pads has been invaluable.   
 
So yes it is about ‘us’ and ‘you’ and I would do well not to forget that, because without both I would not be here right now.
Thank you 
with love and gratitude
June x