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One readily identifiable element of household rubbish is used disposable nappies, estimated to make up some 4% of total household waste. Nappies constitute 25% of the bin from a family with just one baby.

This waste stream has a huge impact in terms of the volume these disposable nappies take up and also in the environmental impact of depositing raw sewage within the landfill site. In its nappy lifetime a baby will produce 1.5 tonnes of waste using approximately 4,550 nappies. Most people do not think of what happens to these nappies when they throw them into the dustbin. Currently all used throw away nappies entering the household waste stream on Merseyside are delivered to landfill sites for disposal.

Disposable nappies have been available for the last 25 to 30 years and in predominate use for at least 20 years. Every year 7 million trees are felled in order to manufacture the "disposable" nappies for the British market - 5 trees for every child. Other elements are made from synthetics produced from oil - another non-renewable source.

There is an alternative...

Reusable cloth nappies. They are simple and easy to use, washable at 60 degrees and can be hung out to dry. They can not only save you money but can also help to protect the environment.

They are also on average less expensive than disposables and can be used for more than one child. A cloth nappy system including home laundry can cost from as little as £200. They are:

• Best for the environment - Nappies take between 200-500 years to decompose. These nappies give off methane, a gas which contributes to global warming.
• Best Value for money - You can save upto £500 from your child's birth to the time they reach toilet training
• Best for your baby - The nappies are 100% natural cotton. Chemical free, soft and kind to your baby's skin.

For further information and an informed choice on the types of nappies available please contact the Merseyside Real Nappy Network using the details below.