Good for the Environment.

According to figures released by Choice in 2010, Australians throw away approximately 2.1 BILLION disposable nappies every year*. The majority of these end up in landfill whilst the rest litter our beaches, roadsides, and parks.

The debate about the environmental impact of cloth Vs disposables has raged for a long time, with the primary focus being on the amount of water used in each type of nappy. However, the environmental impacts of the nappy you choose are far greater than only one aspect of our environment. A full Life Cycle Analysis was released in 2010 by the University of Queensland and compared all aspects of each type of nappy. The results favoured cloth nappies as the more environmentally sensitive option if correctly laundered. ***

• It takes as much energy to produce one disposable as it does to wash a cloth nappy 200 times.
• It takes twice the amount of water to produce one disposable nappy than is used to wash one modern cloth nappy for a year.
• It takes a full cup of crude oil to make the plastic for each disposable nappy.
• Disposable nappies use over 8 times more non-renewable raw materials (different kinds of plastics made from non-renewable crude oil) and 90 times more renewable materials (paper pulp from wood) than modern cloth nappies.
• Cloth nappies can be made from environmentally sustainable materials, like bamboo, hemp, wool & organic cotton, all of which use less water and energy to produce than traditional cotton.
• Bamboo, hemp and organic cotton do not require chemical pesticides, are quick to grow and can easily be produced on sustainable plantations.
• Disposable nappies account for approximately 1/3rd of household rubbish in a family with a child under two years, this has a huge impact on the costs of waste removal and landfill management, costs which are passed on to us through our local council rates.
• No-one knows exactly how long the plastic part of a disposable nappy takes to break down, but it is not biodegradable. It’s estimated each nappy takes between 300 and 500 years to breakdown. That means that part of every disposable ever put into a landfill site is presumably still there.
• ‘Eco disposables’ use less chemicals and generally contain less dyes and gels but take decades to break down in landfill as they are only biodegradable when composted under stringent conditions – which are not met in a standard landfill facility.
• Modern cloth nappies do not require soaking, bleaching (or ironing!), or any of the other outdated practices that have been incorrectly quoted in past studies. They can be washed in cold or warm water and can easily be dried using the sun’s energy. New technology means our washing machines and dryers are more efficient which further lowers the impact on the environment when using reusable nappies.

References:

* Link, A (2003) Disposable nappies: a case study in waste prevention. Women’s Environment Network

*** LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT: REUSABLE AND DISPOSABLE NAPPIES IN AUSTRALIA Kate O’Brien et al – *** www.qdocuments.com/11/pdf/life-cycle-assessment.html

Good for your baby.

When using cloth nappies and reusable wipes you have considerably more control over the chemicals (if any) that come in contact with your child’s delicate skin.

Disposable nappies are full of chemicals such as Sodium Polyacrylate, Tribuytl Tin (a highly toxic chemical), chlorine, alcohol, synthetic perfumes, sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium fluoride. Many of these chemicals have been banned in women’s hygiene products and have been proven to be extremely toxic when absorbed through the skin, many with long term risks.

The plastic that lines a disposable doesn’t allow air to circulate which can cause heat rash and skin irritations in some babies. Disposable nappies keep boy’s genitalia at a higher than normal temperature (up to 1 degree), possibly affecting their fertility. ** More and more reports are emerging of babies and children who have received burns from the chemicals used in disposable nappies when they have ‘burst’ whilst being worn.

Many parents are concerned cloth nappy use will cause nappy rash on their baby. Cloth nappies do not cause nappy rash. Independent research has found that as long as a nappy is changed frequently, the type of nappy worn is not a significant factor in causing nappy rash. The most common causes of nappy rash are irritation caused by chemicals (including washing detergents), bacterial infection or high acid levels in a babies urine.

References:

Costello A et al 1989 The Sanitary Protection Scandal. The Women’s Environment Network

* http://adc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/83/4/364

*** Getting to the bottom of diaper rash (1996) Medical Post. Toronto, 32 (10), 53)

Very convenient and easy.

Perhaps the greatest concern for families looking to use cloth nappies is the perception that it takes a lot of time or that disposables are more convenient. That simply isn’t true.

Modern cloth nappies are shaped like a disposable and do up in the same way with snaps or velcro. Even traditional nappies that require a separate cover to make them waterproof are really quick to fold once you’ve done it a couple of times.

Modern cloth nappies are extremely absorbent and don’t require changing more regularly than disposable nappies (every 3 hours or so). They are designed to be easy to use, easy to launder and above all easy to wear. Once you have a system in place your choice to use cloth will be fast, easy and efficient.

The Darebin Cloth Nappy Trial released in 2007* showed the cloth nappy users spent on average 5 minutes more per day “nappying” than disposable users (this includes changing, washing, folding & rubbish removal).
* www.dialanappy.com/docs/Darebin_Nappy_Trial_July2007.pdf

Stylish.

Modern cloth nappies are seriously stylish and trim fitting.

Whilst disposable nappies are generally white with a small patterned tab or covered with cartoon characters or (even worse, advertising), modern cloth nappies come in an amazing range of colours, prints & fabrics. They’re so cute you’ll never want to cover them up. Which means you also save on pants! Teamed with a t-shirt, singlet or dress modern cloth nappies are their very own fashion statement.