Are Cloth Nappies Better for the Environment?
Cloth nappies, or reusable nappies, have been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years, given their many advantages. One of the chief benefits of cloth nappies is that they are better for the environment. Here, we’ll discuss the environmental benefits of cloth nappies and why more and more parents are making the eco-friendly switch.
Less Waste and Pollution
Adult disposable diapers represent one of the largest contributors to landfill waste, estimated to add up to 3.5 million tons of landfill waste globally each year. This is no surprise—when you consider that even with all the green alternatives popping up, an average baby will use up to 4,000 disposables by the age of two.
By contrast, cloth nappies require very little waste. No disposable package needs to be thrown in the trash, and the only other components of cloth nappies are a few pins or clips. This results in much less waste overall—an average family of one child using cloth diapers would only need one to two garbage bags of regular waste over the span of two years.
Chemical-Free Materials
Standard disposable diapers are made up of a range of synthetic materials, including plastics and foams. Many of the chemicals used to create these materials are known to be dangerous, not just to the environment, but to the health of your baby as well.
Cloth nappies, on the other hand, are made out of natural materials like cotton that are not likely to cause any allergic reaction or harm your baby.
Saves Money
With the rising cost of consumer goods and the estimated $500 to $800 a parent could save over two years by avoiding disposables, it’s no wonder cloth nappies have made a resurgence.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the eco-friendly choice for your baby, cloth nappies are a clear winner. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’re better for your baby’s health, and come with the added bonus of being more cost-efficient.
Cloth Nappies: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- More eco-friendly since it produces less waste and pollution
- Uses chemical-free materials – better for baby’s health
- Less expensive than disposable diapers
Cons:
- More expensive than using disposable diapers in the short-term
- Requires extra effort to wash and dry
- Not ideal for parents who travel a lot
At the end of the day, the decision of whether to use cloth or disposable nappies is a personal one. However, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for your baby, then cloth nappies have a number of advantages that cannot be ignored.