The spotlight for Earth Day this year, ‘Planet Vs Plastics,’ sends a clear message: opting for reusable nappies is a win-win for the environment, your child’s growth, well-being, and your finances. This resonates perfectly with the theme of Reusable Nappy Week 2024 – ‘One Change Big Difference!’
Did you know disposable nappies can contain nearly 10g of plastic each? That adds up to a massive waste and climate crisis in the UK, with about 3.6 billion disposable nappies tossed annually, costing Local Authorities a whopping £140 million a year for collection and disposal.
According to the Nappy Life Cycle Analysis by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra March 2023), reusable nappies trump single-use ones for the environment. They’ve got a 25% lower carbon footprint across their lifecycle. If every UK baby in nappies made the switch, we’d save the equivalent of 700 million car miles in carbon emissions!
But it’s not just about saving the planet. Did you know that a quarter of kids starting school in England and Wales aren’t potty-trained? That’s impacting their learning time, with teachers spending an average of 2.5 hours a day dealing with nappy changes. Reusable nappies come with a bonus: the natural fabrics become soaked. This gives your baby the sensation to experiment with holding and releasing their bladders, making potty training that bit easier!
And the savings? Using reusable nappies can save you around £195 a year! Plus, if you’re in London, many councils offer vouchers up to £70 through the Real Nappies for London scheme. Check if your council’s on board and and the Real Nappies for London boroughs list for more advice.
Make the switch, save some cash, and do your part for the planet! 🌍💚