Washable hygienic protection | Grant
Part of the For a cleaner river project with the support of
For a cleaner river is a project supported financially by RECYC-QUÉBEC as the result of a call for proposals to promote reduction in the use and disposal of single-use plastics. This grant program, in collaboration with partner cities, is designed to reduce the cost of buying washable hygienic protection products for menstruating people and those suffering from incontinence.
Hygiene protection: The cost of disposables
Each year, in Canada, about 771 million hygiene protection products are disposed of. This represents about 3 kg of disposable products per capita, each year.
It is calculated that during their life, a person will use about 15,000 disposable sanitary pads and/or tampons.
Composed of various mixtures of plastics, they are non-recyclable and non-compostable, and they take about 450 years to decompose completely.
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“It is estimated that on an annual basis, someone who menstruates will spend on average $70 for disposable personal hygiene products. In contrast, the cost for sustainable alternatives would be about $39 per year.”
Source : Mme L’Ovary, 2020
Why invest in sustainable hygiene products?
Protect waterways
Disposable products may contain 20 to 30 different chemicals, which means that when disposed of, they add pollutants to our waterways.
Save money!
While the initial cost may seem high, sustainable options can save you a great deal of money on your purchases.
Here are some statistics!
For your health!
Tampons may cause toxic shock syndrome. In addition, the health impacts of chemicals that may be in disposable protection are unknown. So investing in sustainable products is also an action for our well-being!
Subsidies for reusable hygienic products
Thanks to funding from RECYC-Québec, and in partnership with municipalities who responded to the project, the GRAME subsidizes 50% of the purchase price of certain reusable hygiene products, up to $100 per person, for purchases made after January 1, 2021.
Products included are:
- Menstrual cups;
- Reusable menstrual underwear;
- Reusable sanitary pads;
- Incontinence protection underwear;
- Reusable incontinence products.
Participating municipalities
Les municipalités participantes
Villes participantes à venir
Vous souhaitez que votre municipalité participe au programme de subvention? Partagez-lui notre page!
How do I apply?
- Make sure your municipality is participating in the program.
- Purchase the sustainable personal hygiene product(s) you prefer. A list of Quebec and Canadian sources offering these products is available in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
- Fill in the form by making sure to include a proof of residence and of your purchase(s), after January 1, 2021. You can submit two different receipts, as long as they are both attached to just one application. The proof of purchase should be in Canadian dollars. Make sure that the names of the products purchased and the total amount appear on the proof of purchase!
- A cheque for the reimbursement amount will be mailed to you within 30 business days.
- The program is in effect from January 1, 2021, to June 1, 2022.
If your municipality participates in the program, but you cannot find its name in the drop-down menu on the form, then the grant funds have now been exhausted. We recommend that you contact your city directly to find out what options are available to you!
Apply for a grant
3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE ASKING FOR YOUR GRANT
Only submit one demand
Make sure to have all your receipts in hand before submitting your demand, so you can get maximum reimbursement. We accept only one demand per person.
Maximum reimbursement is $100.
The grant will cover 50% of the price of your personal hygiene products, for a maximum of 100$.
The grant might no longer be available
Your municipality is participating in the grant program, but you don't see it in the drop-down menu? The grant for that municipality is probably sold out!
For more information, check out our FAQ!
Apply for a grant
Frequently asked questions
Many great locally made options exist! Here are some suggestions for menstrual and incontinence products!
Menstrual products:
- Mme L’Ovary (menstrual underwear, cups)
- La Girafe Bleue (menstrual underwear)
- Mariefil (menstrual underwear, reusable sanitary pads)
- ÖKO CRÉATIONS (reusable sanitary pads)
- Boutique l’Écossentiel (reusable sanitary pads)
- Création Génie-Écolo (reusable sanitary pads)
- Ta grand-mère APPROUVE (cups, reusable sanitary pads, menstrual underwear)
- Atelier Zone Verte (cups, reusable sanitary pads)
- Ambum (reusable sanitary pads)
- Knix (menstrual underwear)
- Diva Cup (cups)
Incontinence products:
This list is not exhaustive and is intended to provide suggestions.Grant applicants are not required to purchase their products from these businesses.
Yes. The subsidy provides a 50% reimbursement of a purchase amount, for a maximum of $100 per person. Two people in the same household can access the grant. They will each need to make a separate request, and submit two different invoices.
Yes. The subsidy will reimburse 50% of the total amount, up to $100. So, for example, if you buy a menstrual cup and two undergarments, costing a total of $120, $60 will be reimbursed. Be sure to submit both invoices in the same application.
Several Quebec municipalities have created their own subsidy programs for sustainable personal hygiene products. The Mme L’Ovary company has compiled a list of cities with subsidy programs, as well as their details. Explore the list!
Thanks to the support of:
