As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on a year of accomplishments and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey. From our dedicated staff, project partners and supportive councils, to the amazing teams and volunteers who have helped host and deliver our outreach events — and to you, for redeeming your vouchers and embracing reusable nappies — you’ve all played a vital role in making this year a success. If you’ve just joined us, welcome! Whether you have started using reusable nappies or not, we’re excited to offer our support.
Project Update
This year, we proudly championed reusable nappies and our voucher scheme across eleven London Boroughs: Barnet, Bexley, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Kingston, Lambeth, Waltham Forest and the City of Westminster.
Here’s what we achieved in 2024:
- 102 outreach events: We hosted 15 online sessions and 87 in-person events, including reusable nappy demonstrations, pop-up shops, information stalls where people could learn about reusable nappies and apply for or redeem their reusable nappy voucher. We also held reusable nappy give & takes, allowing families to exchange good quality second-hand reusable nappies, baby clothes, and maternity wear for free.
- Significant growth in voucher uptake: In the 2023/24 financial year, we issued 1,422 reusable nappy vouchers, a 34% increase compared to 2022/23, with 1,031 vouchers redeemed (a 30% increase). The top-performing boroughs were Waltham Forest, Hackney, and Barnet.
- Reusable Nappy Week 2024: We celebrated the week by highlighting five key reasons to use reusable nappies and hosted a get together family event at Coram’s Fields. A memorable takeaway from parents at the event was, “We don’t need a handful of parents using reusable nappies perfectly; we need millions of parents using them imperfectly!”
Staff Gratitude
In August, we said farewell to Alice Stevens, Project Assistant at Real Nappies for London, who spent a year helping to administer our voucher incentive scheme and championing reusable nappy use across London and online. Alice interviewed parents to share their reusable nappy stories, including:
We also want to thank both Alice Stevens and Hilary Vick for stepping in while Alice Walker, Project Manager at Real Nappies for London, took a sabbatical from February to April. During her travels across Southeast Asia, Alice was struck by the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics.
“A striking moment in Indonesia, was witnessing the impact of washed-up plastic waste on beaches, carried there by ocean currents from elsewhere. It’s a stark reminder of the global scale of plastic pollution and the urgent need for action. Grassroots initiatives and community engagement are vital in tackling this crisis. By embracing ‘reduce and reuse’ we empower ourselves to make more informed choices and actively reduce our plastic footprint. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.”
The fight against plastic pollution has inspired innovative solutions worldwide, demonstrating the power of collective action and sustainable alternatives. Initiatives like Project Stop and Sungai Watch in Indonesia highlight how community-driven efforts and circular waste management systems can tackle pollution, bringing hope and meaningful change.
Meanwhile, in July 2024, a campaign in N.Magoodhoo (an island in the Maldives) began promoting cloth nappies to reduce single-use nappy waste and support sustainability.
In Samoa, The Greater Good offers another powerful example of innovation in action. By introducing compostable nappies delivered, collected, and composted locally at village level, they transform waste into nutrient-rich soil within weeks. This initiative not only eliminates plastic waste but also empowers women by placing them at the heart of the circular economy.
Looking Ahead to 2025
By continuing to champion reusable nappies, we not only reduce waste and promote climate justice but also empower parents and carers to make informed decisions that benefit their families’ health and the planet. Our voucher scheme, one of the few initiatives of its kind globally, helps families across London adopt reusable nappies, reducing the environmental impact of disposables while making sustainable choices both accessible and affordable. Together, through grassroots efforts and collective action, we’re building a fairer and more sustainable future for all.
In 2025, we’ll continue to:
- Strengthen partnerships to make reusable nappies more accessible and to amplify the impact of our work.
- Increase community engagement through outreach events and resources to help families start and consistently use reusable nappies.
- Highlight success stories from those who’ve used reusable nappies to inspire others.
- Celebrate Reusable Nappy Week 2025. Save the date: 28th April to 4th May 2025!
- Provide volunteer opportunities for people passionate about sustainability and creating positive change in their communities.
Plus, don’t miss our current paid job opportunity to become the new Project Officer at Real Nappies for London! Applications close on Monday 20th January 2025, 23:59.
Interested in learning more about Wen’s other projects and their work for gender, health, and climate justice? Read more here: Celebrating 2024 – Working Towards a Feminist Climate Justice Together.
Happy Holiday’s and Happy New Year, everyone!
Alice Walker, Real Nappies for London