Find out about the benefits of reusable nappies

NewsUpdated: 18 April 2023Environment and Climate Emergency

The environmental and economic benefits of reusable nappies are the topic of a series of talks taking place across Three Rivers district this month.

Parents and carers will find out why reusable nappies may be better for them than the single use alternatives at the upcoming Nappy Natters events being hosted by Three Rivers District Council. The talks will be taking place following Baby Rhyme Time at several locations across the district.

Reusable nappies are a more sustainable alternative to disposables, and have ways of saving money. There are 35,000 or so children under the age of two and a half in Hertfordshire at any one time, each requiring at least 4,000 nappy changes.

Disposable nappies make up eight per cent of residential rubbish, or an estimated 15,800 tonnes annually, costing over £1.7 million each year. Single use disposable nappies can have a greater carbon footprint than reusables by up to 40%.

Elen Roberts, the council’s Sustainability and Recycling Officer, said: "Nappy pins and terry towels are a far cry from the reusable nappies of today. With fitted designs, a huge array of different materials and styles to suit all routines and needs, reusable nappies are a fun, simple and responsible way to care for your child and their future. Reusables are becoming the main choice of nappy for more and more families. Most disposable nappies are made of plastic, and are unable to be reused and recycled – therefore they end up in landfill or incineration – using just one reusable nappy a day in place of a disposable could save 912 disposable nappies per child per year.”

The talks will be taking place on these dates:

Find out more about reusable nappies and access our discount scheme here:

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/recycling-waste-and-environment/recycling-and-waste/wasteaware-campaigns/reusable-nappies/reusable-nappies.aspx