‘Real’ nappies save £500 with less waste
April 13, 2012Hundreds of Somerset mums-to-be are being urged to “go real” by trying a modern low-waste alternative to disposable nappies that can save them hundreds of pounds and do their bit to protect the planet for their new child.
To mark Real Nappy Week 16-22 April, Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) is writing to 750 expectant mothers about the cost saving and pollution preventing merits of washable “real” nappies.
“Real” nappies are becoming a popular alternative as they are £500 cheaper than disposables per child, according to the national Go Real campaign.
For each child, real nappies stop up to 800kgs of waste – a county-wide total of almost 4,500 tonnes a year – being buried in Somerset landfill, where the nappies, and their contents, decay to create powerful greenhouse gases that damage the climate.
SWP is launching a free comprehensive information leaflet (pdf, 1.3 MB) that points out how today’s real nappies look and fit like disposables – forget Terry squares, safety pins and boiling – and can be popped into the washing machine for a simple 40 or 60 degree cycle.
And the letter to mums-to-be invites them to complete an online survey to help SWP better understand their nappy needs and problems.
SWP strategy officer Beth Prince said: “Nappies are a big cost for any family, so making the right choice is crucial.
“Between the cost to your pocket and damage to the planet, disposables are a bum deal. Between making savings of £500 and doing your bit to make a better world for your child, real nappies make a real difference.”
To help families consider their nappy choices, mum-and-baby groups can borrow a table top information display by contacting SWP and get a free event support pack from the Go Real campaign.
Check here for more information on nappies.