Which nappy is kinder?

Will we ever know which type of nappy is environmentally kinder?
Not according to a recent report examining the use of both disposable
and reusable nappies.

Environment Agency report reveals cloth nappies can save 40% carbon
emissions

Washable nappies can save 40% carbon emissions over disposables an Environment
Agency study has published. An Updated Lifecycle Assessment Study for
Disposable and Reusable Nappies examines the environmental impacts of
the two systems. While at first glance the report suggests there may be
little to choose between them, it shows how a good washing routine can
make all the difference.Simply washing nappies in fuller loads in an energy
efficient machine and line drying them provides over 40% reduction in
carbon. Reusing nappies on a second child saves even more.

Biba Hartigan of Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) says: “At last,
this report supports what WEN has been stating for decades – real nappies
are best for the environment with 40% carbon savings to be made over disposables.
It’s easy to make a difference with a sensible washing routine. It’s just
common sense. And parents can save money with real nappies too.” The difference
between the systems could be even greater. Some key assumptions in the
report are questionable. It is assumed that people use more washable nappies
than disposables. WEN research based on larger, statistically sound samples
has found that there is no difference in the number of nappies used.

Unlike the simple washing routine which anyone can adopt now, improvements
posed for the disposables system are not currently available. Further
weight reduction requires technological development and widespread MBT
recycling is a long way off.

WEN is concerned that the Environment Agency and Defra have chosen not
to publicise these findings. One day they make a commitment to reduce
carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and the next they miss an opportunity
to promote information which could help every young family in the country
achieve a 40%+ carbon saving on nappies.

For more infomation on cutting your carbon emissions see WEN’s latest
publication, The Three Tonne Club Handbook.

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  The Women’s Environmental Network