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It's not that cloth nappies are good for the environment - after all they still use resources to grow the cotton/bamboo/hemp that are used to manufacture them and you use water and energy to wash them - it's that cloth nappies are not as bad for the environment as regular disposables.
In 2009 a study by the University of Queensland looked into the Life Cycle of both disposable and cloth nappies (from creation of the product to disposal of it) in Australia.The study looked at four environmental indicators: water resource depletion, non-renewable energy depletion, solid waste and land use for resource production. Not only did they find that the water usage between cotton nappies and disposable nappies was comparable (in fact, the same amount of water is used in the production of disposable nappies as in the production and home washing of cotton reusable nappies), they also found that disposables used more energy and more land resources in their production and that disposables generate 20 times more solid waste.
If a cloth user chooses nappies made of more sustainable fabrics such as bamboo or hemp (which use much less water in production than cotton) then the cloth nappy user immediately comes out further ahead in terms of water use. If you use the same nappies for more than one child, you're even further ahead.
But cloth nappies give you the opportunity to do something better for the environment. By choosing to use cloth, you will save several thousand dollars. Take that money and use it to install a water tank, a grey water system, solar hot water, or something else that will offset the resources you are using when you use cloth. You could make your cloth use carbon neutral! Cloth gives you so many more options when it comes to reducing your environmental impact. The money it saves can also let you do something BIG that will help reduce your family's environmental impact well into the future.
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What are terry nappies?
Terry nappies are flat squares of terry toweling fabric that have been used as cloth nappies (diapers) for years. If you don't like the idea of folding, pinning or soaking flat cloth nappies there are a lot more options nowadays - just Google 'Modern Cloth Nappies'.
What are nappies made from?
Cloth diapers (nappies) are generally made of cotton. Disposables are made of paper and plastic.
Where can you purchase cloth nappies?
Someone can purchase nappies made of cloth on websites that sell baby supplies as well as many different stores that sell baby supplies such as BabiesRUs.
What is better cloth or disposable nappies?
Since you've put your question in the pollution, waste & recycling categories, I assume you're asking about the environmental impact of cloth and disposable nappies. Both use resources and impact on the environment. But recent Australia research indicates that that cloth nappies are not as bad for the environment as regular disposables. In 2009 a study by the University of Queensland looked into the Life Cycle of both disposable and cloth nappies (from creation of the product to disposal of it) in Australia. The study looked at four environmental indicators: water resource depletion, non-renewable energy depletion, solid waste and land use for resource production. Not only did they find that the water usage between cotton nappies and disposable nappies was comparable (in fact, the same amount of water is used in the production of disposable nappies as in the production and home washing of cotton reusable nappies), they also found that disposables used more energy and more land resources in their production and that disposables generate 20 times more solid waste. If a cloth user chooses nappies made of more sustainable fabrics such as bamboo or hemp (which use much less water in production than cotton) then the cloth nappy user immediately comes out further ahead in terms of water use. If you use the same nappies for more than one child, you're even further ahead. But cloth nappies give you the opportunity to do something better for the environment. By choosing to use cloth, you will save several thousand dollars. Take that money and use it to install a water tank, a grey water system, solar hot water, or something else that will offset the resources you are using when you use cloth. You could make your cloth use carbon neutral! Cloth gives you so many more options when it comes to reducing your environmental impact. The money it saves can also let you do something BIG that will help reduce your family's environmental impact well into the future.
What makes disposable nappies non-biodegradable?
Nappies have a substandard effect on our environment. This is for many reasons such as that as every other product it is soon disposed of and processed to a landfill which is deficient for our environment. There are two types of nappies used by mothers. Both our defective to our environment for different reasons. The two types are reusable and disposable nappies. Reusable nappies are nappies which can be reused, this is better than disposable nappies, which you get rid of into landfills, because they aren't being disposed of. lishii shaikh xx
Do you use disposable or reusable nappies or both?
I have used cloth on both my daughters, the only time they have been in disposables was in hospital. Modern Cloth Nappies make it seriously easy you should give it a go :)
What is a substitute for a diaper?
Use old cloths or cloth diapers or nappies wash it and take it back
Who has the best cloth nappies?
The best cloth nappies are made by a lovely person lady named Nicky. I have tried all the other nappies from commercially made to handmade and these are by far the best that I have ever tried. Her night nappies are exceptional and I have never had a leakage problem or anything like that. If you want to support a great family business who produces the best product on the market (at least with in Australia I have not tried any of the others) Then definatley try nicnaps at nicnaps.com you wont regret it her nappies are the best thing since............... well since they made disposables
Are reusable nappies more environmentally friendly than disposible nappies?
Absolutely! Especially with all of the environmentally friendly fibres that are now being used in modern cloth nappies such as bamboo, hemp and soy etc. Along with changes in washing habits, no longer are we soaking nappies in harsh chemicals we let the sun do what it does best and that's to kill bacteria.Not just are they more environmentally friendly they are also easy to use!With reusable nappies you are the one that decides what your ecological footprint will be based on how you wash the nappies, whether you use the dryer or hang on the line etc, with disposables you don't get that chance.I know in Australia we throw away enough disposable nappies to fill the MCG 7 times every year... how sad is that? Anyone who honestly thinks that disposables are on par with their environmental impact need to familiarise themselves with the revised nappy impact study done in the UK which has found that cloth are substantially better for the environment than disposables.
What is the best type of nappy cloth or disposable?
It's a personal choice and both have pros and cons On the one hand, cloth nappies are best for the environment, but the initial cost can be upwards of hundreds of dollars, and you have to wash them - some people find their babies can not handle the cloth diapers as it gives them a rash - HOWEVER there are some fantastic cloth nappies (such as superdupas, weenees and other "pocket" type nappies - you don't need to use the old white squares anymore - almost like washable disposables with inserts - very cool! wish they were round when my first was born! Whereas Disposables whilst handy, are not very disposable to the environment, they are easy and effective. they do cost a lot more over the period of birth to toilet training - and most babies don't get a rash from them. (as the pee is drawn away from the skin) disposable diapered babies are also often later to toilet train as the nappies are more comfortable and as mentioned, they don't feel wet like cloth diapered bubs do. At the end of the day its best to find what works for you. I personally think there is no point spending out the money on cloth diapers until they are 3 months old, as you need so many in the first few months (8-10 a day in many cases!) disposables are much cheaper and easier until they get to a good size and wet less... then that's when I go to cloth.
Why are cloth diapers good for the environment?
A cloth diaper can be re-used again so this is good for the environment. With cloth diapers, there is no landfill and chemical waste so I just love this kind of diaper. Last week I had bought ALVABABY printed pocket diapers at a very good price. Those are very Eco-friendly.
What is the progress for making cloth that affect your environment?
What is the progress for making cloth that affect your environment?"
