| Saving
the Environment
Of particular concern is the study's reliance
on the method of washing. Traditionally terry squares were
laundered at higher temperatures and /or soaked in chemical
sanitisers. Naturally by relying on terry squre users for
the washing methodology isn't necessarily taking into account
the washing methods recommended by manufacturers of modern
shaped nappy systems, sales of which outnumber plain terry
squares from sites such us this, and indeed some derision
has been reported in the press as apparently 9% of nappy users
iron their nappies!
Significantly glaringly obviously to me is
the fact that the report acknowledges that cotton napies are
not disposed of but saved for re-use - yet no allowance is
made for the fact that the nappy users could already be using
secondhand nappies which instantly has a huge saving in environmental
impact.
Indeed from our own observation on sales here,
the vast majority of parents who go on to have further babies
reuse their nappies, and once finished with sell them on or
pass them on to others. Therefore unlike the study's assumption
that the average user will have used a total of 47 nappies,
in reality the total number used will be significantly lower
when taking the secondhand nappies into account.
We recommend the following ways in which you can use washable
nappies to minimise global environmental impact of using nappies:
# Choose nappies made from organic cotton or hemp/green cotton
which are grown without the use of pesticides.
# Choose nappies made locally within UK or EEC to minimise
miles travelled.
# Avoid PVC wraps, use some organic wool or wool wraps if
possible (NB:not always suitable)
# Buy secondhand nappies or reuse your nappies for subsequent
babies
# Avoid soaking, dry pail (store dry) in a bucket with a close
fitting lid. If you do soak avoid sanitisers and use a natural
agent eg lavender oil
# Use washable liners
# Use an A rated energy efficient washing machine
# Wash at 60 maximum, wash nappies that are wet only at 40
# Especially if your washing machine doesn't adjust the volume
of water to the weight of the load automatically, always wash
a full load - add other items such as towels and clothing
to your wash to make a full load
# Use an eco-detergent
# Don't use a conditioner, it reduces absorbency and is unnecessary
# Line or air dry do not tumble dry, and avoid turning the
radiators on to dry washing
# Never iron nappies or wraps
# Sell or pass on your nappies after you have finished with
them.
Real
Nappy Article | Nappy
Changing—What to Expect! | Washing
& Care Instructions |
Terminology—what
is what in the nappy world? | How
do I assemble a cloth nappy? |
Nappy
creams, barrier creams and nappy rash | Why
Choose Cloth Nappies 1 |
Why Choose
Cloth Nappies 2 | Why
Choose Cloth Nappies 3 | How
do I choose which nappies to use? |
How many
nappies will I need? | Washing
- Frequently Asked Questions | What
are Real Nappies |
Real
Nappy Project
|
