Babies Disposable Nappies

Linnear

I hope this is considered a Green subject.

We hear a lot about babies disposable nappies lasting for over a hundred years in landfill sites.

I'm puzzled as to why the manufacturers don't make these nappies out of the same plastic that my supermarket carrier bags are made of, as these disintegrate within a few months.

Anyone know why they don't?

gibby

its a funny argumnet as Ive seen reports that the washables use alot more co2 & energy than creating a new disposable

Ive no idea which are really better.

G

stumpycat

gibby wrote: »

its a funny argumnet as Ive seen reports that the washables use alot more co2 & energy than creating a new disposable

Ive no idea which are really better.

G

There was an incredibly flawed study done - the high energy use included stuff like boil washing (not necessary) , using conditioner(which would actually stop them working!), tumble drying (really not needed for modern nappies) and ironing (!!!)

I think there's been a more recent & realistic study done which is much more favourable to cloth nappies.

As to the OP, I agree that it seems the sensible thing to do - perhaps there is a problem with how waterproof the plastic is? I sometimes used biodegradable nappy bags to take home wet cloth nappies and found they got decidedly damp after a while!

angelavdavis

gibby wrote: »

its a funny argumnet as Ive seen reports that the washables use alot more co2 & energy than creating a new disposable

Ive no idea which are really better.

G

Surely it isn't just about the creation of nappies that is the problem - its the length of time they take to biodegrade as Linnear says?

If (well, hopefully when) we have children, I can't stand the thought that they and their children and grandchildren may have to live with their nappies rotting underground and emitting methane and who knows what other chemicals just because I couldn't be bothered to wash nappies!

radiohelen

I'm using both at the moment. Once I've used all the reusables we go onto disposables (Saino's eco babys ones) until the weather gets better and I can get the nappies on the line - bit of a nightmare as you can imagine. We don't have a tumble dryer.
They don't need ironing - I do put them in a 60 degree wash if they are particularly pooey (sorry if that's tmi) and when it's sunny they dry in a day.
I think the reusables are probably better for the environment in the long run whatever that study may say. Ultimately it's about balancing convenience and green credentials.

I know this is cheeky but I'm writing a blog about my experiences trying to be a green mummy, I'm plundering my diary and putting posts up as and when I can - lo is now a year old so it's a gradual process. I'd love to know what you think of it - www.recycledbaby.co.uk