With so many disposable nappies headed to landfills, many parents are looking for the most responsible, eco-friendly alternative that will still keep their babies dry and comfortable. Over the years, reusable nappies have been designed to work as well as disposable ones. Cleaning hacks have even been developed to ease up time and water use for reusable nappies. We offer biodegradable cloth nappies’ inserts and waterproof shells made with high-quality materials to ensure that your baby stays comfortable and you have more sustainable options to choose from.
But many people are still unsure about the details of both options. Are reusable nappies better for the environment? We discuss the differences between disposable and reusable and how you can use reusable nappies in the most eco-friendly possible way.
Disposable Nappies
The environmental impact of disposable nappies is undeniable. According to a 2014 Environmental Protection Agency report, an “estimated generation of disposable diapers in 2018 was 4.1 million tons” in the U.S. alone. And Victoria Sustainability estimates that “3.75 million disposable nappies are used each day in Australia and New Zealand.” With so much waste from disposable nappies worldwide, it’s little wonder that people are looking for more sustainable alternatives. Who doesn’t want to give the planet a little help?
What Materials Are Disposable Nappies Made From?
Disposable nappies are typically made from various materials, such as wood pulp, plastics, and paper. These nappies do not break down over time and take up significant space in landfills, as the average family will go through thousands of disposable diapers. It’s also important to note that human waste is not supposed to enter landfills, yet people often forget—or don’t know—that they should dump nappy contents into the toilet before tossing them into the trash.
Reusable Nappies
When figuring out the answer to the question, “Are reusable nappies better for the environment than disposable nappies?” you have to understand what goes into making a reusable nappy.
Reusable nappies need to be washed often, creating a lot of water and electricity use. However, there are much more ways to lower the environmental impact than disposable nappies. Try to use energy-efficient washers, non-toxic detergents, and cleaner power sources if possible. Also, using a flushable, biodegradable nappy liner along with your reusable nappy can cut down on washes.
What Materials Are Reusable Nappies Made From?
Our reusable nappies are made from high-quality PUL waterproof material and optional bamboo, bamboo cotton, or hemp and cotton blend inserts. Though PUL is not biodegradable, reusable nappies will take up significantly less space in landfills, as you will not dispose of them often.
So, what do you think? Are reusable nappies better for the environment than traditional throwaway nappies? The answer is a resounding YES! Reusable nappies are much less wasteful than their disposable counterparts. There are also many opportunities to adjust your environmental impact in the cleaning process so that you can be as eco-friendly as possible when using your reusable nappies.
