Latest news with #Freda
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Entrepreneur aims to add overlooked necessity to standard hotel amenities: 'Very few guests feel comfortable asking for them'
Entrepreneur aims to add overlooked necessity to standard hotel amenities: 'Very few guests feel comfortable asking for them' When it comes to sustainability and single-use plastic products, feminine care is often the least talked about — particularly in the hospitality world. However, one woman is hoping to change the narrative. Affi Parvizi-Wayne is the founder of Freda — a London-based, eco-minded period care company with hopes of becoming the hotel standard. "It's quite striking that, despite the industry's drive to become more responsible, it often neglects one of the most basic needs of its female guests," Parvizi-Wayne said, according to Forbes. Tampons and pads are rarely included with amenities in high-end hotels. Even when they are available by request, Parvizi-Wayne said that "very few guests feel comfortable asking for them. Most women prefer not to announce their periods at the hotel reception." Made by women, for women, using organic, biodegradable, and toxin-free materials, Freda was born in 2018 from efforts to provide hygiene kits to refugees. Tampons are made from 100% organic cotton, while pads are made of 70% natural materials. Even the packaging is recyclable, and the company uses a carbon-neutral facility in Sweden for manufacturing that runs on 100% renewable energy, generating zero landfill waste. Per Forbes, Parvizi-Wayne pointed out that using Freda products "supports guest well-being and aligns with broader sustainability goals — especially when these products are eco-friendly." Sustainable products come with their own challenges, to say the least. Freda is looking into season-specific packaging after facing issues due to recent heatwaves causing packaging to break down mid-transit. Parvizi-Wayne pointed out the transparency of supply chains is murky at best when it comes to sustainability. "Many so-called eco products are made in China, which makes auditing of the factory's sustainability credentials rather difficult," she said, per Forbes. Feminine care products have been under the microscope after several studies have found they contain toxic chemicals. Glyphosate — an herbicide most common in RoundUp — was found in tampons sold in the United Kingdom. United States lawmakers are working to ban the sale of feminine products containing PFAS, which have been found in period products — even the sustainable, reusable kinds. These "forever chemicals" have been linked to cancer, reproductive complications, and other health problems. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a refillable product? Saving money Reducing plastic waste Using less shelf space at home Getting easy refill deliveries Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Finding trustworthy, dependable, eco-friendly products that aren't greenwashing can be more difficult than one might think. Doing the research is well worth the effort to maximize purchasing power and support eco-conscious brands. Not to mention, it's the healthier choice for you and the planet. "Supporting menstrual health is integral to promoting overall wellness," Parvizi-Wayne said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
This Founder Is On A Mission To Make Eco Period Products Standard In Hotels
Eco period care dispenser from Freda of London. Despite the hospitality industry's growing commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, one fundamental need remains routinely overlooked: access to period care products. 'It's quite striking that, despite the industry's drive to become more responsible, it often neglects one of the most basic needs of its female guests,' says Affi Parvizi-Wayne, founder of Freda, a London-based eco-conscious period care company. While amenities like mini sewing kits, cotton ear buds and shaving kits are standard in most high-end hotels, tampons and pads are typically missing. 'Some hotels claim that period products are available on request, but the reality is that very few guests feel comfortable asking for them,' Parvizi-Wayne notes. 'Most women prefer not to announce their periods at the hotel reception.' Parvizi-Wayne launched Freda in 2018, following two years of development and early-stage backing from an angel investor. The venture was initially conceived to include period products in hygiene kits for refugees. Freda has since expanded into the consumer and B2B markets, offering subscription-based period care and bespoke kits for businesses, with a small but growing footprint in the hospitality sector. 'Providing sustainable period care kits in hotel rooms is a simple, powerful way to show genuine care and inclusivity,' says Parvizi-Wayne. 'Not only does this break outdated taboos, but it also supports guest wellbeing and aligns with broader sustainability goals—especially when these products are eco-friendly.' Freda founder Affi Parvizi-Wayne of London. Freda's hospitality kits come in several formats: compact sets with a pad and tampon for guest bathrooms, larger pouches for in-room or spa offerings, and stylish dispensers or display boxes for public restrooms. All are designed to sit seamlessly alongside traditional amenities like razors, toothbrushes and, yes, those rarely-used mini sewing kits. The products themselves are rigorously sustainable: Freda tampons are made from 100% organic cotton, and the pads are composed of 70% natural materials. Free from chemicals, fragrances, and toxins, they are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and packaged in biodegradable or recyclable materials. Manufacturing takes place in a carbon-neutral facility in Sweden, powered entirely by renewable energy and committed to zero landfill waste. Still, sustainability presents its own challenges. During a recent heatwave, Freda's biodegradable outer packaging began to break down in transit. 'We discovered our sustainable outer packaging was decomposing before it had got to the customer,' says Parvizi-Wayne. 'For now, it's back to our recyclable but not biodegradable packs.' She's currently working with her Swedish supplier to explore season-specific packaging solutions. Parvizi-Wayne is vocal about supply chain transparency—something she argues is often lacking in mass-produced 'eco' products. 'Many so-called eco products are made in China, which makes auditing of the factory's sustainability credentials rather difficult,' charges Parvizi-Wayne. 'Our Swedish factory is very transparent about its environmental efforts. Their manufacturing process is designed for minimal environmental impact, with factories operating on 100% renewable energy and generating zero landfill waste—all production waste is either recycled or incinerated to produce heat and electricity.' Beyond commerce, Freda reinvests 5% of its profits into community initiatives focused on period equity. 'Supporting menstrual health is integral to promoting overall wellness, and this should not solely be the individual's responsibility,' says Parvizi-Wayne. 'Little touches make a big difference in guest experience and by providing period care products hotels create a more inclusive and caring environment for their guests.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rescue with Ric: Meet Freda
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)-Meet Freda, a sweet and spunky 2-year-old Chihuahua with a heart full of love (and ears that never point in the same direction)! This friendly girl gets along great with other dogs, cats, and kids, making her a perfect fit for just about any family. Freda is easy to take on the go—she rides quietly in the car and walks beautifully on a leash. She's already spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, so she's ready to head home with her forever family! To learn more about her, feel free to give Grand Companions a call at 432-426-3724. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Furious Brit complains holiday was ruined by 'rude' Spanish people at hotel
A British holidaymaker has posted a scathing review of their Benidorm hotel, slamming the amount of "loud and rude" Spanish guests who were also staying there, and complaining that the entertainment wasn't in English After staying in an otherwise "lovely" hotel in Benidorm, a furious British tourist has taken to TripAdvisor, leaving a totally scathing review of the establishment, and criticising the number of "loud and rude" Spanish guests. The former guest at Port Fiesta Park - located in the Costa Blanca region of Alicante - clearly was not particularly happy with the experience, leaving just one star in their review. "Lovely hotel but the food was poor plates always cold. Footballers arrived every weekend we were there noisy and given priority at meal times. Entertainment all Spanish. would not recommend. Spanish guests were loud and rude. restaurant and other staff excellent." Despite branding the hotel just one star overall, when it came to reviewing various subcategories - like cleanliness, quality of sleep, value for money, and service - the holidaymaker was much more positive, giving five stars across the board. The hotel posted a polite reply to the review, explaining: "Thank you for sharing your opinion with us. We apologize if your experience was not as you expected and we take note of everything described in order to improve our service day by day. We are saddened by your story about other guests. "Our hotel, like Benidorm, is an international destination that receives people of up to 10 different nationalities every day and all are welcome. Sincerely, the Port Fiesta Park team." This tourist isn't the first Brit to publicly complain about the amount of Spanish people they encountered whilst holidaying in Spain. When pensioner Freda Jackson visited Benidorm for a fortnight's holiday back in 2017 - staying at the Poseidon Playa - she ended up in tears after dealing with what she called "rude" Spanish guests at her hotel. "The hotel was full of Spanish holidaymakers and they really got on our nerves because they were just so rude," she has said. "One evening a Spanish guy nearly knocked me flying and he just walked off without even apologising." Much like the reviewer of the Port Fiesta Park, Freda was not impressed that the entertainment provided by the hotel for guests was in Spanish, not English. "The entertainment in the hotel was all focused and catered for the Spanish - why can't the Spanish go somewhere else for their holidays?" Brits make up the second largest group to holiday in Benidorm - after Spaniards themselves - with 832,000 people from the UK heading to the hotspot in Costa Blanca in 2023. However, Spain has increasingly seen mass protests against the number of tourists visiting, despite the importance of holidaymakers to the economy. A man who lives in the area and works organising stag parties explained previously that most locals welcome tourists due to the fact that many of them work in the industry, and rely upon visitors for their income. "Are tourists welcome in Benidorm? The answer is yes, yes, yes. Has there been any signs of any types of protests in Benidorm against tourists? No, no, no. "One of the reasons I say that and I think that it's going to remain that way is because pretty much everyone that's working in Benidorm that lives in Benidorm has some connection with a tourism business or the sector of tourism. Whether that means they're working in a bar, restaurant, hotel, whether they're in some sort of services industry, no matter what type of business it is, it's going to feel some effect of tourism."
Metro
09-06-2025
- Metro
British gran complains that there are too many 'Spaniards' on Benidorm holiday
A British grandmother has said her 'dream' holiday to Benidorm was ruined by 'rude' Spanish hotel guests. Freda Jackson, from Blackburn, Lancashire, was unimpressed by her stay at the Hotel Poseidon Playa, which she said had laid on no entertainment for foreign guests. The grandmother-of-six said her trip was a 'disaster from start to finish' after the Spaniards 'really got on our nerves'. She added she was nearly sent flying after being knocked over by one holidaymaker without even an apology. Freda, who is in her eighties and has mobility issues, was suggested the hotel on the outskirts of the Spanish resort by Thomas Cook. The pair booked the trip through a package operator in 2017 and funded the break over 12 months from their pensions. Benidorm, located in the Valencian Community on the Costa Blanca, typically welcomes more than 2.7 million visitors a year to its picturesque beaches. However, Freda found her hotel primarily catered for domestic tourists rather than overseas travellers, while denying she was making derogatory comments about Spaniards. The hotel also originally allocated the pair a room on the 14th floor. After explaining their accessibility issues, they were given a room on the second floor, which was still 42 steps from the swimming pool. She told the Daily Record: 'The entertainment in the hotel was all focused and catered for the Spanish – why can't the Spanish go somewhere else for their holidays?' The retired care assistant is demanding either a refund for her 'mis-sold' getaway or a free trip after shelling out £1,133 for the two-week holiday. More Trending Thomas Cook offered Freda and her friend a £75 voucher to cover their grievances. A spokesperson for the firm also clarified that, due to a system error, the duo were not made aware of a change to their flights until six days before they were due to leave. They said: 'We are very sorry for the inconvenience this caused and are investigating to make sure it doesn't happen again. 'We have offered Ms Jackson and her travel companion a gesture of goodwill to try and put things right, which we hope she will accept.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Inside UK's new £189,000,000 revolutionary 'very light' transport system MORE: Spanish police cause uproar over photo of older women enjoying alfresco chat MORE: Sunbed Wars 2025 arrives in Benidorm after holidaymakers 'stampede' for best loungers
