Nappies that won’t cost the earth
Written by Shaun Moore on April 22, 2010
Gloucestershire parents are being invited to pick up a bargain and do their bit for the environment.
With Real Nappy Week approaching (April 26th – May 2nd) Gloucestershire County Council is offering a one off voucher of £30 towards the cost of purchasing real nappies.
You can redeem the voucher against any purchase of real nappies.
The council is keen to reduce the number of disposable nappies sent to landfill.
Every year it costs Gloucestershire taxpayers around £100,000 to bury disposable nappies, which take more than 500 years to break down.
Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “By using real nappies, parents will help to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
“We hope many people will take advantage of the discount pack offer.”
Real nappies have flushable or washable liners to catch any solid waste and can be washed on a 40 degrees cycle.
Parents who use them can save up to £600 on their first baby alone, compared to conventional disposable nappies.
This includes of cost of electricity, washing powder and electricity.
Nicola Naylor, a working mum from Dursley said: “I used my £30 voucher towards reusable bamboo nappies because I liked the idea of reducing waste, but I was worried about the amount of washing and drying.
“It turned out they were much easier to use than I thought, I could wash them at 40 degrees and I bought plenty so I didn’t wash too often.
“I changed brands when my son started walking which means I’m still using real nappies two years on.
“I would urge all mums to give it a try; it really will save you a lot of money and make you feel like you’re doing your bit.”
Hettie Harris, who promotes real nappies in the county said an increasing number of parents are using them: “More and more parents are choosing cloth nappies, because of the potential savings, but they also realise how easy they are to use.
“I get very positive feedback from the parents I see – it’s very encouraging.”
Hettie will be attending the following events planned for Real Nappy Week:
Tuesday April 27th – Cheltenham 10am – 12noon BAPS (Breastfeeding and Peer Support Group) Hesters Way Children’s Centre, (next to the Primary School, Village Road/Dill Avenue, Cheltenham). Large playroom, toddlers welcome. Please park in school car park.
Wednesday April 28th – Bredon 10am to 11.45am Bredon Stepping Out Toddler Group, Bredon Village Hall.
Thursday April 29th – Tewkesbury 10 – 11.30am BABES (Breastfeeding and Babies Early Support) Tewkesbury Primary School, Chance Street, Tewkesbury.
Friday April 30th – 10am – 2pm Real Nappy Roadshow, Gloucester Farmers Market, The Cross.
Saturday May 1st – 10am – 2pm Real Nappy Roadshow, King Street, Stroud.
