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| Page updated 27 July 2007 | ||||||||
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Over 8 million disposable nappies are used in Britain every day. Most of these end up in the household dustbin and get taken to landfill sites where they can take up to 500 years to rot. This means that every 'disposable' nappy used is probably still festering in landfill sites, a mixture of faeces, plastics, chemical gels and paper pulp. Throughout Britain people are becoming more aware of the associated environmental damage caused by disposable nappies and are starting to use washable cotton nappies in their place. They have found that along with being much kinder to the environment they can also be cheaper than disposables and are healthy for their baby. The use of cotton nappies in Britain however is still relatively small compared with Canada, Australia and the United States where the use of 'real' nappies is much more widespread. However this is increasing and the Women's Environmental Network now estimates that 15% of all parents now use washable nappies. |
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Until recently if you wanted to use washable nappies then you would be using Terry towelling squares which needed to be folded and pinned into shape. However nowadays there is a much wider choice of nappies to choose from.
Fitted reusables come in a variety of designs, sometimes as an all in one but otherwise as a two piece system. These are all shaped so don't require folding and have Velcro or popper fastenings which makes them quicker and easier to change. There are many different designs for you to choose from so it is worth looking on web sites, getting catalogues and talking to an agent before you make your choice.
Terry and muslin squares involve folding but are the cheapest option and no longer need pins as there's a new gadget called a 'nappi nippa' that holds the nappy in place making changing the baby safer. Terry nappies do require waterproof overpants but it is worth looking at the pants designed to go with the fitted nappies as these are softer and more durable than the traditional PVC types. |
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Disposables have a high environmental cost. They use large quantities of pulped wood and an increasing amount of plastics and chemicals. These nappies invariably end up in landfill sites where they can take up to 500 years to rot. Cotton nappies are mostly made from natural fibres and don't require the use of chemical gels. They can then be washed with the rest of the home washing on a 60 degree cycle. To be more environmentally friendly you can use alternatives to chemical detergents or more eco-friendly brands such as Ecover.
Disposable nappies are made of superabsorbent chemicals, paper pulp and plastics while real nappies are mostly made of natural fabrics. We do not as yet know whether there are any health risks from prolonged contact with the superabsorbent gels used in disposables.
It is a myth that cloth nappies increase the risk of nappy rash. Disposables allow the baby to be kept in dirty nappies for longer, with cotton nappies the baby will need to be changed once the nappy is dirty. Research has shown that nappy rash is related to how often the baby's nappy is changed, rather than what the nappy is made from.
Both disposables and washable nappies differ greatly in price. However there are savings to be made with washable nappies (in particular with Terry Towlings) and obviously these increase if you have more than one child, since the same nappies can be used again.
The Internet is invaluable for more information on real nappies. Some of the best sites are the: Women's Environmental Network
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In Monmouthshire there are a number of Real Nappy Agents. These are mums who have used real nappies themselves and become enthusiastic supporters. They can visit you to show you samples and discuss what sort might suit you best.
Julia Aldous e-mail Abergavenny Area 01873 890736
Caroline Spence-Thomas: Eco-Babes / Little Green Earthlets Chepstow / Wye Valley / Monmouth 01291 621961
Local Stockists In Monmouthshire you can find real nappies on sale at H. Shackletons Pharmacy at 1 Nevill Street, in Abergavenny town centre. You can also buy them at Richards Department Store, Abergavenny and in Waitrose in Monmouth and Abergavenny.
Internet You can also buy them mail order or from the internet or use the Internet to find local agents / stockists in your area. A useful place to start looking is on the Real Nappy Campaign (Wales) or UK Nappy Line sites. On this they have a list of all manufacturers as well as lots of useful information.
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If you live in Monmouthshire you can use the new South Wales Nappies laundry service. The laundry service set up cost is £25, which includes everything you need to get started. The weekly laundering service is £8.50 per week for up to 50 nappies, and as your baby grows, larger sizes of nappy will be delivered to you. Nappy wraps can also be hired or purchased. Ecover washing products and refills can also be purchased from South Wales Nappies and delivered to your door.
To find out more about the laundry service, or to make an appointment for a home visit, please contact South Wales Nappies on 01291 430227, or visit our website. |
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If you want to find out more about cotton nappies then there are a number of people and places that you can get information.
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