Real Nappies
Using real nappies can not only reduce waste, but also save money as parents will spend at least £700 on disposables before potty training their children.
Over 8 million disposable nappies are used in Britain everyday. This requires an ongoing source of raw materials to produce the nappies. It is estimated that one cup of crude oil is needed to produce a single disposable nappy. In comparison to real nappies, the production of disposables consumes up to three and a half times as much energy (enough energy to wash a reusable nappy 400 times!).
Babies will use approximately 5000 nappies before potty training. Therefore, the UK disposes of roughly 800,000 tonnes of nappies per year (4% of total household waste) at a cost of £40 million. Ultimately most of these are disposed of in landfill where they do not completely break down.
WHY are real nappies worthwhile?
- Real nappies benefit the environment because they require less energy and resources in their production, and produce far less waste.
- Real nappies are cheaper than disposables; they can save you up to £600 with your first child, even more if you use the nappies for another child.
- They are the natural choice. Real nappies are made form natural fabrics, whereas disposable nappies are made from absorbent chemicals, paper pulp and plastics.
- Because of the benefits, the council will give parents who use real nappies £40 cash back (see below).
WHAT are real nappies?
- There is a wide choice of real nappies available, something to suit everyone!
- Modern nappies are shaped, fitted and self-fastening, and are available in a variety of styles, sizes and fun patterns.
- Some companies sell small trial packs, containing several different types of real nappies. This allows parents to try the different nappies and make an informed choice.
HOW are they used?
- The nappies are shaped with gathered legs.
- Unlike the old-fashioned towelling nappies that required pins, modern real nappies are usually self-fastening, for example using Velcro.
- Biodegradable nappy liners can be used and simply flushed away.
- There is no need to boil or soak nappies (this wastes energy) just wash at 60°C.
- Nappy laundry services are also available making real nappies even more convenient. Dirty nappies can be exchanged for clean nappies, freshly laundered to NHS standards.
£40 cashback if you choose reusable nappies
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council would like to thank residents who use reusable nappies or have subscribed to a nappy laundering scheme. To request a nappy cashback leaflet please ring 01707 357000 or print out an electronic copy. Full details are explained in the leaflet. Please send completed forms and the requested paperwork to: WasteAware Officer, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Council Offices, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AE.
Further information
Download the WasteAware real nappy information leaflet, or request one via the contact centre.
The UK Real Nappy Campaign (08458 500606) provides advice and details of local reusable nappy contacts whether you want to wash your own or use a local laundry service.
The Nappy Site offers the facility to buy and sell real nappies and a forum for discussion.