Why choose real nappies?
Every day, a TV or magazine advert will tell us that disposable nappies are easy, convenient and reliable. So why would you choose to use real nappies? Surely it's just a lot of hard work?
Well, no. Modern real nappies are easy to use, fastening with velcro or poppers. Real nappies offer a snug, comfortable fit, which can reduce the likelihood of leaks - and fewer leaks means less washing! And modern real nappy fabrics mean that washing and drying is easy too.
Let me ask you a question - what sort of plates do you use at home every day? I'm betting you don't use paper ones. Disposable paper plates might come in handy for the odd kids' party, but you wouldn't dream of using them every day! They would be horrendously expensive and they're not even particularly good!
It's the same with nappies. Just as with paper plates, there may be occassional time when a disposable nappy is more convenient, but for normal, everyday use real nappies are definitely the way to go!
If you need a little more convincing, then read on...
Reducing waste
The UK currently throws away around 8 million disposable nappies daily, the vast majority of which go to landfill. We don't know how long it takes for a disposable to break down in landfill, but it is estimated to be up to 500 years. Certainly, the UK is quickly running out of landfill space.
Many people are also concerned with the issue of human waste being sent to landfill sites, and the potential health problems this could cause. When a dirty disposable nappy is thrown away, both the nappy and the contents end up in landfill. With real nappies, any solid waste is flushed down the toilet and into the sewerage system, where it belongs.
Financial
Using real nappies could save you a small fortune! Disposable nappies and wipes for the first 30 months (say) of a baby's life could cost you anywhere between £1,000 and £1,800 per baby!! Compare this with an "average" real nappy system costing around £300-£400 for the same period, and the saving is obvious. And you can save even more if you use the same real nappies on any subsequent children.
Chemicals
Disposable nappies are made of super-absorbent chemicals, paper, plastics and adhesives. Disposable wipes contain chemicals, perfumes and alcohol. Many parents prefer to use real nappies and washable wipes so that they are in control of what goes on/against their baby's skin.
Comfort
Many parents simply prefer the feel of real nappies!
Environment
All nappies have an environmental impact and trying to compare the impact of disposables vs. real nappies is very difficult. However, recent studies have concluded that using real nappies can reduce your carbon emissions by 40% compared with using disposables. (See Women's Envirnmental Network (WEN) for more information.)
In any event, the responsibility for reducing the environmental impact of disposables can only lie with the manufacturers - as consumers, the only thing we can do to reduce the impact of disposables is to use fewer of them! With real nappies, however, the user is in control!
Top tips to reduce the environmental impact of real nappies:
• Don't boil wash. Instead, wash nappies at 30°C or 40°C with an environmentally-friendly nappy sanitizer
• When buying a new washing machine, choose an energy-efficient model
• Keep your washing machine well maintained to increase its longevity
• Avoid using a tumble dryer where possible
• Avoid soaking nappies, to reduce water consumption
• Use an eco-detergent or eco-balls, and avoid fabric conditioners
• Don't iron nappies (Who does?!)
• Extend the life of your nappies by using them on subsequent children, passing them on, or donating them to charity
Well, no. Modern real nappies are easy to use, fastening with velcro or poppers. Real nappies offer a snug, comfortable fit, which can reduce the likelihood of leaks - and fewer leaks means less washing! And modern real nappy fabrics mean that washing and drying is easy too.
Let me ask you a question - what sort of plates do you use at home every day? I'm betting you don't use paper ones. Disposable paper plates might come in handy for the odd kids' party, but you wouldn't dream of using them every day! They would be horrendously expensive and they're not even particularly good!
It's the same with nappies. Just as with paper plates, there may be occassional time when a disposable nappy is more convenient, but for normal, everyday use real nappies are definitely the way to go!
If you need a little more convincing, then read on...
Reducing waste
The UK currently throws away around 8 million disposable nappies daily, the vast majority of which go to landfill. We don't know how long it takes for a disposable to break down in landfill, but it is estimated to be up to 500 years. Certainly, the UK is quickly running out of landfill space.
Many people are also concerned with the issue of human waste being sent to landfill sites, and the potential health problems this could cause. When a dirty disposable nappy is thrown away, both the nappy and the contents end up in landfill. With real nappies, any solid waste is flushed down the toilet and into the sewerage system, where it belongs.
Financial
Using real nappies could save you a small fortune! Disposable nappies and wipes for the first 30 months (say) of a baby's life could cost you anywhere between £1,000 and £1,800 per baby!! Compare this with an "average" real nappy system costing around £300-£400 for the same period, and the saving is obvious. And you can save even more if you use the same real nappies on any subsequent children.
Chemicals
Disposable nappies are made of super-absorbent chemicals, paper, plastics and adhesives. Disposable wipes contain chemicals, perfumes and alcohol. Many parents prefer to use real nappies and washable wipes so that they are in control of what goes on/against their baby's skin.
Comfort
Many parents simply prefer the feel of real nappies!
Environment
All nappies have an environmental impact and trying to compare the impact of disposables vs. real nappies is very difficult. However, recent studies have concluded that using real nappies can reduce your carbon emissions by 40% compared with using disposables. (See Women's Envirnmental Network (WEN) for more information.)
In any event, the responsibility for reducing the environmental impact of disposables can only lie with the manufacturers - as consumers, the only thing we can do to reduce the impact of disposables is to use fewer of them! With real nappies, however, the user is in control!
Top tips to reduce the environmental impact of real nappies:
• Don't boil wash. Instead, wash nappies at 30°C or 40°C with an environmentally-friendly nappy sanitizer
• When buying a new washing machine, choose an energy-efficient model
• Keep your washing machine well maintained to increase its longevity
• Avoid using a tumble dryer where possible
• Avoid soaking nappies, to reduce water consumption
• Use an eco-detergent or eco-balls, and avoid fabric conditioners
• Don't iron nappies (Who does?!)
• Extend the life of your nappies by using them on subsequent children, passing them on, or donating them to charity
