Today’s New Zealand Herald carries a story about a West Auckland maternity hospital, Waitakere Hospital, that has made the switch to modern cloth nappies. This alone will save  80 000 nappies from going to landfill every year. 

 

New dress code for babies to save planet 

Parents leaving the hospital with their babies will have the choice of hiring a cloth nappy kit at half the usual price, or switching to disposables.

West Auckland Health Services Foundation’s Dr Nicole Bassett said using cloth nappies could cut the household waste of a family with one baby in half.

The foundation and Waitakere City Council decided to switch to cloth nappies after a three-month pilot scheme saved about 20,000 nappies going to landfill.

Dr Bassett said feedback from the pilot scheme showed cloth nappies were not difficult to use and did not cost the hospital significantly more than disposable nappies.

Parents who picture themselves struggling with pins and squares of fabric might be pleasantly surprised at the new breed of cloth nappies. Dr Bassett said modern versions came prefolded in different shapes and sizes and fastened neatly with velcro.

[…]

Figures compiled by the Zero Waste New Zealand Trust and used by the Waitakere City Council said disposable nappies used 3.5 times more energy, eight times more non-renewable raw materials, and 90 times more renewable materials than washable nappies.

The figures also showed that it took as much energy to produce one throwaway nappy as it did to wash a cloth nappy 200 times.

Canberra students make and donate MCN to mothers in crisis

Students in the ACT have been bringing cloth nappies and community outreach together.

The Canberra Times reports:

“Nappies that keep saving the planet”

 

“Melba Copland Secondary School students were selling the benefits of their prize-winning reusable nappies when they visited a group of expectant and new mothers this week.

Four members of a textiles class presented 40 hand-made reusable nappies to the residents of Karinya House, a service for mothers in crisis.[…]

Ms Gallagher estimates that eight to 10 disposable nappies are used at the service per baby, a day, at a cost to mothers of about $55 a week.

Reuseable nappies cost as little as $5 to $10 to make at home and about $25 pre-made, which could relieve financial pressure for mothers in all situations.

The school was named a ”Sustainable Living Champion” by a University of NSW competition for making the reusable, adjustable nappies with polar fleece, nylon and bamboo-based fabric as the absorbent material. The teacher responsible for the nappy program, Ketley Merle, said that the products also had environmental benefits, especially when washed with environmentally sound techniques.”

British report reveals reusable nappies offer substantial enviro benefits.

From the Australian Nappy Network:

The Environment Agency, UK, has revealed that using reusable nappies, as opposed to disposable ones, can save families, carers and the environment 40% in carbon emissions.

The ‘Updated Lifecycle Assessment Study for Disposable and Reusable Nappies’, published on Friday in the UK, was the largest and most comprehensive study of its type ever to be undertaken examining the environmental impacts of the two nappy systems. 

Lucy Westerman, Director of the Australian Nappy Network is delighted with the findings, saying that, “This report represents a dramatic step forward in propelling community education, amongst parents and carers, and confirms exactly what we have known for many years – that reusable nappies really are much better for the environment than disposables.”

The quantity of disposable nappies currently being sent to landfill, in Australia alone, is reaching dramatic proportions.  Recent research shows that Australians are throwing away one billion disposable nappies every single year, with each of these taking up to 300 years to fully decomposei. 

“The environmental impact of disposable nappies in Australia is immense,” explains Ms Westerman.  “Coupled with the landfill issue you also have to consider the impact of the materials, chemicals and resources that go into the manufacturing and packaging of disposables.”

“The Report demonstrates that by simply washing reusable nappies in full loads, using an energy efficient washing machine, set under 60º Celsius, line-drying them and reusing them on other children provides over 40% reduction in carbon emissions, compared to the use of disposables.”

“In Australia, obviously we have to be very conscious of using our water efficiently but we have the significant benefit of the climate, which enables most Australians to air-dry throughout the year,” she continued.

Today’s reusable nappies bridge the gap between the cloth of by gone eras and disposables.  Reusables are increasingly produced with minimal impact from highly absorbent sustainable eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo and hemp.  Such fabrics are incredibly effective and soft for your baby to wear with the added convenience of being quick-drying, fitted like disposables or flat, with velcro, snappis or press-stud fasteners and no longer requiring soaking.

“Typically a baby will get through between 4000 and 6000 nappy changes before it is toilet trained, so when you consider the impact of this on the environment and the cost effectiveness of using reusables, it’s a win-win situation, not only for the environment but for your pocket too.” 
“If you then go on to reuse these nappies on another child you create even greater savings and by adopting reusable nappies means that parents and carers are in control of the impact they have on the environment,” concludes Ms Westerman.

 

Read more here at the Australian Nappy Network.

Cloth nappies cut carbon emissions by around half: Environment Agency

An updated Environment Agency report concludes that reusable nappies, used sensibly, reduce carbon emissions dramatically. The myth of “disposable and cloth nappies having the same environmental impact” has been well and truly busted.

Recycling & Waste Management News & Information reports:

An updated lifecycle assessment study for disposable and reusable nappies examines the environmental impacts of two systems. The report analyses the environmental impacts of a child using disposable nappies for the first two and half years of its life versus cloth nappies for the same period.

The aim of the study was to update a previous report on the environmental impacts of reusable nappy types compared with disposable nappies, using a 2006 data reference point.

It says that the average disposable nappy would result in “a global warming impact of approximately 550 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents used over the two and half years a child is typically in nappies”. In comparison, using re-useable nappies that had been eco-washed would result in a global warming impact of “some 200 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents over two and a half years”.

The amount of carbon emissions saved is around the same as the difference you could make by switching 140 reams of paper from new to recycled, or by switching your machine machine over to cold water for a year and a half. (sources: stopglobalwarming.org, livclean)

Just one more small way we can all reduce our contributions to human-made climate change. Spread the word.

New FAQ: Do childcare centres do cloth nappies?

Yes! Some childcare centres embrace cloth nappies enthusiastically, even to the point of providing a flat nappy service included in the fee. With many centres, however, you may receive a lukewarm response, or resistance. These responses tend to be rooted in outdated ideas about cloth nappies.

The Australian Nappy Network has prepared a fact sheet and resources if you need to educate your childcare centre about cloth nappies.

Most importantly, please remember: childcare centres are bound by their accreditation requirements to have the facilities to deal with cloth nappies, and to respect your parental decisions. Cloth nappies are not banned in childcare centres, nor are they unhygienic; and many Ozclothnappies members are using them successfully.

You can read the rest of the Ozclothnappies FAQ here.

“Aren’t disposable nappies 100% biodegradable these days?”

New FAQ Question: * Aren’t disposable nappies 100% biodegradable these days?

Be very sceptical of biodegradability claims. Many disposable nappies are now claiming to be 70% or even 100% “biodegradable”.

Firstly, biodegradation claims are made after testing in ideal composting conditions with access to air, conditions which do not occur in our landfills. A typical household compost heap cannot cope with the output of even one baby, and soiled nappies should not go into household compost at all.

Secondly, biodegradability claims can be spurious. For one example, as of August 2008, SeNevens is under ACCC investigation for alleging that their Safeties Nature Nappies are 100% biodegradable. THe ACCC alleges false, misleading and deceptive conduct in their marketing of these nappies, in breach of the Trade Practices Act.

Link: “ACCC institutes proceedings against SeNevens International ltd”

Lastly, landfill is not the most important environmental impact that nappies have. You need to look at the entire life cycle, the carbon costs, the packaging, the transportation costs, the energy consumed in manufacture, the pollution, the raw materials including non-renewable resources. Focussing on biodegradability is very convenient for nappy manufacturers who would like to greenwash their products, but it is not the whole story.

Reusable Nappy Week is coming – Volunteers wanted

There are busy busy times ahead in the coming months for the ANN and we need all hands on deck!

REUSABLE NAPPY WEEK – October 13th – 19th, 2008

It seems like AGES away, but these things creep up on us and bite us on the bum (excuse the pun) before we know it!!! If we want certain events, certain venues, certain activities, certain dates, we need to lock them in, Eddie. 

The theme this year will be focussing on fashion in cloth nappies be it tie-dyed squares or the funkiest fitted or cuttest woolies.

The week will be essentially run by the ANN (Australian Nappy Network), and costs covered for ANN approved RNW activities. Those representing the ANN or running an event need to be a member of the ANN but non ANN volunteers can be involved as well.

Some ideas for the types of things that can be done are below, if you think that you can help organise any of these in your state, have some other event ideas or can you help in any way please volunteer.

HOW CAN YOU VOLUNTEER?

1. Contacting your state co-ordinator at modernclothnappies.org, or

2. Joining us on the Australian Nappy Network forum.

LIBRARIES

Anyone willing to contact their local library about display space, and if they are willing to lend a nappy (or few) to the cause for a week, we can provide posters and flyers.

LOCAL COUNCILS

If you have a contact at your local council or would like to seek their support could be useful.

FEATURE EVENT

Perhaps a fashion show with some of the tots showing off some fancy funky naps… where? When? Who? How? 

MEDIA

There will be a national approach regarding the media. Any tips/offers of help welcome.

SEWING WORKSHOPS

We have previously organised some great workshops and would love the hear from anyone keen to share their nappy sewing knowledge and perhaps make snap presses available.

WOOL DYING/KNITTING WORKSHOP

As said many times, you don’t need to commit to doing a stint on TV or a talk to 100 parents, a simple coffee catch up at a chid friendy cafe, or better still, a park, goes down really well and is fun for all. A display at a library is fantastic exposure and low maintenance. 
We have PLI for any events that require it. 

NORTHERN TERRITORY CO-ORDINATOR  – We also require a co-ordinator for the Norther Territory

GREAT DOWN UNDER NAPPY HUNT – We will be needing some helpers to assist with Hunt organisation as well.

So come along and volunteer at www.modernclothnappies.org.

Last chance to get your baby into the 2009 ANN Calendar

A still from the 2008 ANN Calendar

2009 CALENDAR

The Australian Nappy Network is planning to release a 2009 wall calendar featuring gorgeous cloth-bottomed bubs. They are inviting you to submit photos for a chance for your baby or toddler to be featured. Selected entries will receive a free calendar and, of course, unlimited bragging rights!

Email your photos as attachments in the largest size you have available to
2009photos at nappynetwork dot org dot au

Format: Photos need to be in high resolution format, 300 DPI and landscape A4 size (210—297mm). The file name of the photo MUST include the entrants SURNAME for easy identification. There is a limit of 2 entries per child. Entries will close at the end of August!

Entrants will be required to complete a general release form, and entries not accompanied by a release form will be withdrawn. Release forms will be sent to applicants by return email upon receipt of entries.

The decision of the ANN selection panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The ANN may retain entries for consideration in the following year’s calendar and for other publications.

To get an idea of what might be suitable you can see this years calendar on Ozebaby .

So get snapping!!!!!!

Ideally we would like to have the calendar ready to go prior to Real Nappy Week, so if you would like to help with producing the calendar let us know.

The Australian Nappy Network staff

City of Casey rebate draw: save up to 50% on your 2008 stash purchases!

The City of Casey, Victoria, has announced that it will be holding a draw for cloth users to be in the running for a 50% rebate on their setup costs. 

Casey is supporting parents to use cloth nappies to reduce waste and landfill, and to benefit the environment. Now setting up a cloth stash may be even cheaper. 

The City of Casey will be funding a Cloth Nappy Rebate Draw to encourage parents to choose cloth nappies over disposables. Every month during the draw period, a name and receipt will be drawn from those entered with the attached form, and 50% of the purchase cost for the full set of cloth nappies will be reimbursed (up to $300). Entries will be kept from month to month, so there is no need to re-enter, and you could have a chance to win the next month.

How to enter? Fill in the Nappy Rebate Draw form, and attach your original receipt for the nappies (photocopies not accepted). Nappies need to have been purchased after the 1st of Jan 2008.

NOTE: You must be a resident of the City of Casey to be eligible.

For all enquiries, contact the Environmental Education Officer, Abbie Lane:
9705 5691
or alane@casey.vic.gov.au

 

 

Support the Australian Nappy Network Ltd

 After years of planning, brainstorming, collaborating and dreaming, the Australian Nappy Network™ Ltd (ANN) invites you to join us on our quest to spread the word to the wider community about the many benefits of reusable nappies.

Join, donate, or sponsor us now at www.nappynetwork.org.au/supportus1.php!
 

About Modern Cloth Nappies

Cloth nappies have come a long way since terry squares and buckets full of bleach. Today’s modern cloth nappies use smart designs and innovative new fabrics, and require no pinning or soaking. They can be reused over and over, making them cheaper – and far less polluting – than single use nappies. So modern cloth nappies are a great choice for parents – if only more parents knew about them! The challenge for the Australian Nappy Network™ Ltd is to raise the profile of modern cloth nappies, so that parents know there is a better alternative to disposables.

 

About the Australian Nappy Network™ Ltd

The ANN is a not-for-profit organisation, the goal of which is to educate the Australian community on the health, environmental and financial benefits of using cloth nappies. We will be drawing on the combined skills, enthusiasm and experience of individuals and businesses like you to operate.

 

Our flagship national event is Reusable Nappy Week™, held in October each year. Reusable Nappy Week™ features events right around Australia, from capital cities to regional centres. Highlights include public information sessions, nappy displays, media events and community gatherings.

 

ANN members also run regular community-focused events, such as classes at maternity hospitals, workshops, markets and expo stalls. Each State and Territory Coordinator in the ANN has a nappy sample kit, used to provide hands-on education about modern cloth nappies.

 

Online

The online presence of the Australian Nappy Network™ Ltd, where we will keep all our online resources and announce our various advocacy events & projects is at www.nappynetwork.org.au
Bookmark it now.

 

The ANN Work Programme

The Australian Nappy Network™ Ltd knows that the task of changing entrenched attitudes to cloth and disposable nappies is a large one. Around 95 per cent of Australian parents use disposable nappies, at a high cost to them and to the environment. In order to redress this imbalance, the ANN will:

 

COORDINATE
national cloth nappy advocacy activities.

CONNECT
healthcare professionals, local authorities, local businesses and parents.

INFORM
Australian parents, through campaigns and local-level activities, using consistent, impartial information.

SUPPORT
parents, the cloth nappy industry and researchers.

CAMPAIGN
to have stakeholders in the community recognise and promote the financial, health and environmental advantages of cloth nappies.

INNOVATE
to help reduce the ecological impact of nappy use at all points of the supply chain, from cropping to laundry techniques.

 

How Can You Help?

There are now opportunities for individuals and businesses from all realms of the reusable nappy world to support the work of the Australian Nappy Network™ Ltd, through individual membership and volunteer advocacy roles, and business sponsorships and advertising packages.

http://www.nappynetwork.org.au/supportus1.php

 

Assisting the ANN financially will assist with providing the resources to disseminate information.

 

Individuals

Besides donations, which are always welcome, there are 2 ways individuals can support the ANN:

 

Subscriber

By becoming a Subscriber, whereby you receive a pack of advocacy material, a subscription to the ANN eZine and 5% discount on all ANN merchandise, and

 

Member

By becoming a Member, whereby you receive all of the above and you also have the right to do or supervise ANN advocacy work as a Community Nappy Advocate and have voting rights at all ANN general meetings.

 

Please note on your application any voluntary contributions to ANN projects, events and activities, past, present and future, as we will extend the duration of eligible memberships to show our appreciation.

 

Business Sponsorship

There are a variety of Sponsorship packages and advertising opportunities available for businesses. Please see our website for details.

 

 

 

We appreciate your patience and support and hope you share our excitement as we fully and finally launch the ANN.

 

 

Australian Nappy Network™ Ltd

www.nappynetwork.org.au