reduce nappy waste

Three billion nappies a year - that's eight million a day - are thrown away in the UK. 90% end up in landfill. Landfill space is running out and local authorities face tough targets to reduce waste. Real nappies can be reused time and time again so they don’t contribute to household waste. The Cornish Real Nappy Project are giving parents the chance to try washable nappies for free during Zero Waste Week from 20-26th October. CRNP are supporting the week long challenge by asking parents to sign up for a free real nappy trial, allowing them to try out washable nappies in their own home and on their baby, before spending any money on purchasing washables. Zero Waste is impossible for parents to achieve whilst using disposable nappies (which account for around 2.6% of all household rubbish). Washable nappies are an easy to use alternative which not only have environmental benefits but also look great, are made from soft fabrics and save parents hundreds of pounds.

Approximately 27% of Cornish parents already use washable nappies, which I think is a high percentage compared with other areas. The project has been running a county wide trial scheme which has proved popular with parents who are often overwhelmed by the amount of different types and brands that are available. Bec Thomas, who runs the scheme as well as looking after her three children said: “One of our volunteers delivers the kit, talks through the different types and how to use them and then leaves the kit with the family for a month. 83% of the parents who use a kit then go on to use real nappies which is a fantastic conversion rate.” She continues, “The service is great value at £10 as it helps parents make the right choice before investing any money. However we are pleased to be able to offer the service free to parents and expectant parents signing up during Zero Waste Week, as it will help parents address a huge source of their household waste.”

In addition to the trial kits, CRNP are able to offer parents access to interest free loans which help spread the costs of buying real nappies and allow families of all financial means to benefit from the overall savings that can be made. The loans are not dependent on credit checks and are paid back at as little as £5 per week.