Nappies – it’s all change to combat climate change

Apr 22 2008 by Mieka Schmidt, The Journal

THREE billion disposable nappies are thrown away each year, contributing to global warming. Now Northumberland County Council is urging parents to get real in combating climate change – by switching to real nappies.

The county council will be supporting the 12th annual Real Nappy Week from April 21-27.

The promotional week, co-ordinated by the National Real Nappy Campaign, this year concentrates on how parents can help to combat climate change by using real nappies.

Providing parents follow simple guidelines when using real nappies, there can be significant gains for the environment both in reduced greenhouse gases and household waste sent to landfill or incineration.

The UK currently throws away around three billion disposable nappies every year. They are estimated to weigh some 690,000 tonnes, most of which are landfilled where they generate methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

Sally Gordon, spokesperson for the Real Nappy Campaign, said: “We are delighted to be able to reassure parents that by using washable nappies they can reduce their impact on global warming and energy use, as we are aware that these are key issues for families.

“In addition, Real Nappy Week gives us the opportunity to promote the additional benefits of nappies including their cost savings, natural fabrics and the choice they represent for parents.”

Organisations across the country will be joining together to celebrate the week with hundreds of events such as fashion shows, nappicino coffee mornings and teddy toddles. The county council will be joining in the fun by exhibiting displays of nappies and accessories at Blyth Sure Start, Prudhoe Waterworld and Berwick Swan Centre.

In addition, there will be a representative dropping in at maternity units throughout the county with presents of real nappies and flowers to four lucky mums who have had babies in ‘Real Nappy Week’.

But parents who already have babies needn’t feel left out. They have an opportunity to win a prize by making an application to the county council incentive scheme. One lucky winner will have their form drawn out of the pile during the week. Sheila Johnson, waste minimisation officer at the county council, said: “It’s a win-win situation for parents.

“Residents can start saving money and helping the environment at the cost of a postage stamp by applying for a free Real Nappy starter pack or £30 cash-back.”

For further information as to how to apply for a free real nappy starter pack or £30 cash-back, contact Sheila Johnson on (01670) 534087 or www.northumberland.gov.uk/ realnappies. To find out more about Real Nappy Week or the Real Nappy Campaign, contact Rebecca Rapson on (08458) 500606.