Are washable nappies better for the environment?

Are washable nappies more environmentally friendly than all disposable varieties?

Yes. Eight million disposables nappies are thrown out every day. This accounts for four percent of all household rubbish.

Friends of the Earth want at least half of all household waste to be recycled by 2010.

Modern re-usable nappies are easy to find and by using them you are helping to reduce the volume of waste.

For more information, contact the Real Nappy Association, the Womens Environmental Network (who run the Real Nappy Week) or see Natural Collection.

The Environment Agency's recent report has prompted debate over which nappies are best for the environment.

Friends of the Earth's advice is to use washable nappies - but to follow the Environment Agency's washing top tips:

only flush liners containing bowel movements
use low temperature detergents
buy more nappies initially and wash full loads
don't use fabric softener
look at the label and try washing at a lower temperature
air dry rather than tumble dry where possible
purchase electricity on a green tariff

You may choose to use disposables at first - while you are getting to grips with looking after your baby, or for when you are away from home.

Using unbleached nappies for times like these reduces the environmental impact of their production.

Washable nappies are more environmentally friendly than disposables because they produce less waste and there is more scope to reduce their environmental impact.

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Last modified
Content: July 2006