News

3rd July 2007

In response to the recent article in the Daily Mail (03.07.07)

CRNP responds to MPs comments

Mr Bradshaw appears to be referencing the Environment Agency report published in May 2005, which has been widely recognised as being flawed and is currently under revision, with the new version due to be published later this year. Parents using washable nappies are making a considerable difference to the environment by reducing waste going to landfill which saves taxpayers money by reducing landfill charges for Local Authorities. Just one baby can use up to 6000 nappies in the time between birth and potty training whih equates to approximately 1.5 tonnes of nappy waste. 
 
The 2005 Environment Agency report worked on the assumption that nappies were washed at high temperatures, tumble dried and in some cases ironed. There are positive measures that concerned parents can take to reduce the environmental impact of washing nappies including ensuring they only wash full loads, use environmentally friendly detergents, wash at 60 degrees, line dry and don't iron. Water use can also be cut down by not soaking nappies, which is not a necessity.
 
The Cornish Real Nappy Project recieved funding from the Big Lottery through the CRED (Community Recycling Economic Development) programme and has also received funding from Cornwall's Family Services. The project works to ensure it runs sustainable promotions including a trial scheme where parents can borrow a range of nappies for a month, before committing to buying them; and an interest free loan scheme to help spread the cost of buying washables.
 
Parents choose washable nappies for many reasons, not only environmental. Some prefer to reduce the amount of chemicals their baby's skin is exposed to by using natural materials, others believe that children will potty train earlier in real nappies; but perhaps one of the most important benefits of using washables is the financial savings available to parents. Savings of up to £500 can be achieved for one child, and more if the same nappies are used on subsequent children. This aspect is particularly key to Cornwall where we register high levels of deprivation.

Also see:  Waste and ReSources Action Programme responds to MPs Comments 

Womens Environmental Network speak up for real nappies