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Interesting Facts about reusable nappies

Waste, nappies and the environment

  • 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away in the UK every day
  • 7 million trees are chopped down each year just to produce nappies for the UK market
  • One child wears up to about 5,500 nappies before potty training
  • Disposable nappies make up 50% of waste produced by a family with a child under one.
  • We don't know how long it takes the plastics in nappies to decompose, but it could take hundreds of years. As disposables have been around for about thirty years this means that every disposable ever put in landfill is probably still there.
  • Nappy waste may contain up to 100 viruses, such as polio, which can remain active for up to 2 weeks after disposal
  • In West London half a million pounds is spent each year disposing of nappy waste - money which comes from the council tax payer. Landfill sites take up precious land can produce chemicals that pollute ground water and methane gas which contributes significantly to global warming.

Cost savings with reusable nappies

Real nappies vary in price, the traditional terries, other flat nappies(pre-folds and wraparounds) and one-size shaped nappies being the cheapest option.

Women's Environmental Network has calculated that savings from using home laundered nappies for a first child alone could amount to around £500 based on prices in 2005. (This calculation has taken into account the cost of washing powder, energy, wear and tear of the washing machine.)

To help with the initial outlay there are lots of options available;

  • Some real nappy companies offer a payment plan
  • Trial packs (which can sometimes be hired)
  • Second hand nappy exchanges
  • Incentive schemes

Save energy and reduce your contribution to climate change

  • Wait until you have a full load before washing,(consider washing with baby's clothes to make a full load).
  • Dry naturally on a washing line or using an airer instead of tumble drying.
  • Using an A rated washing machine (best energy efficiency).
  • Check the EU energy label for how much water the machine uses.
  • Use an eco-detergent.
  • Avoid using fabric conditioner - it reduces absorbency and impairs performance.