News

9th March 2007

Spring in to Action During Real Nappy Week

National Real Nappy Week kicks off on the 11th March heralding a week of national activity to increase awareness of the benefits of using washable nappies. The 11th real nappy week, which is co-ordinated by the Women’s Environmental Network and supported by Waste and Resources Action Programme, is celebrated by real nappy projects all over the world.

In Cornwall the award winning Real Nappy Project has a number of activities that it is organising or supporting but the real thrust behind this years activities has come from local mums themselves; These mums are all real nappy users wanting to let others know about the benefits of using them and also how easy they are to use.

Carli Summer, a full time mum from Hayle, met a Cornish Real Nappy Project team member at her antenatal class which encouraged her to use real nappies on her son Solomon. Solomon, now 15months old, is still wearing washable nappies and mum Carli is a complete convert. To encourage other mums to choose washable nappies, Carli will be constructing a nappy waste mountain at the Hayle Children’s Centre on Monday 12th March. The mountain will depict the amount of nappies thrown away each year for just one baby. Chris Hines, from the Eden Project will be attending and CRNP will also be on hand to offer advice to any interested parents.

Sally Pyner, a mum of three from Camborne and volunteer for the Cornish Real Nappy Project, has been talking to Kerrier District Council about the benefits of washable nappies, not just for parents but also for the county as a whole; and Kerrier District Council have responded by donating funds to purchase two new nappy trial kits. The nappy trial kits are used by the Cornish Real Nappy Project to lend to parents who are thinking about using real nappies, this allows them to try out lots of different types to find out what suits them, before spending any money. The new kits will be presented to Sally on Monday 12th by Kerrier District Council at a CRNP nappicino at All Saints Church Community Centre in Camborne.

Zoe Bounds, from Bodmin who is also a volunteer for the project and used washable nappies on her child, has organized a “Bear Bottoms” treasure hunt at Newquay Zoo. Visitors to the zoo will be invited to take part in the fun competition by locating all teddy bears, wearing a washable nappy of course, which will be dotted around the zoo. 

The Cornish Real Nappy Project is also running nappicinos across the county which can be attended by any interested parents. Rebecca Rapson, project manager for the Cornish Real Nappy Project commented:

 “We are delighted at the enthusiasm shown by local mums which proves that washable nappies really are something to shout about! We really appreciate the support that our volunteers and supporters give the project and hope that real nappy week is a big success in Cornwall.”

More details on all the activities planned for Real Nappy Week can be found at www.crnp.org.uk or by calling freephone 0800 328 8175.