Disposable and cloth nappies can be green

A report produced by the UK’s Environment Agency in 2008 and titled ‘an updated lifecycle assessment study for disposable and reusable nappies’ concludes that there is little difference between the environmental impacts of disposable and reusable cloth nappies. But it is based on certain conditions relevant to the UK. For example, it assumes that reusable nappies would only be used on one child and that a quarter of all reusable nappies would be tumble dried. In sunny South Africa it is possible that nappies could be line dried most of the time, and it is also fair to assume that more than one sibling would happily wear the same nappy.

It would seem that parents who use reusable cloth nappies have more control over the impact that they have on the environment. As such, reusables could have either a much higher or a much lower environmental impact than disposables. Oh, and let’s not forget the other practicality. If you can afford the initial outlay, cloth nappies are likely to cost a lot less than disposables.

Here's how you can reduce your baby's impact on the environment: 

If you choose to go with disposables:

• Use fewer of them. Because they’re so super-absorbent and designed to keep baby dry, you don’t need to change them every 3 hours. Also, start toilet-training as soon as your child seems ready. Not only does this translate into fewer nappies, but also the bigger your child, the bigger the nappy and the more material there is waiting to lie in a landfill.
• Make sure your child’s nappies end up on the landfills and don’t litter the countryside or clog up our water systems. Secure your municipal waste so that stray dogs and the elements can’t tear the bags open.
• Make sure the ‘natural’ parts such as the absorbent wood-pulp inner core comes from sustainable sources.

If you go with cloth nappies or a combination:

• Make use of the sun for drying. Not only does this save energy, but it also helps kill bacteria so that you don’t need to use harsh chemicals.
• Wash full loads and don’t soak your nappies in water. Use dry buckets with a tight-fitting lid to manage odours.
• Minimise chemicals or use natural alternatives – they don’t come with a guarantee but many moms swear by things like lemon juice, eucalyptus and tea tree oil. Grapefruit seed extract is effective at killing yeast spores and white vinegar makes an excellent odour remover and fabric softener.
• Invest in an energy-saving washing machine and tumble-drier. Use the tumble-drier only on rainy days or in emergencies.
• Make sure the disposable lining of your combination nappy is biodegradable – it’s also more convenient if you can compost it or flush it down the loo.
• Don’t iron your cloth nappies. This uses unnecessary energy.
• Choose products made out of organic cotton.
• Reuse your cloth nappies on siblings, or donate them to a friend or willing charity when you’re done with them.

By Hayley Komen

For the full article visit Hayley’s blog Groenboontjie



cloth nappies, diposable nappies, Hayley Komen