Which nappy is kinder?

Will we ever know which type of nappy is environmentally kinder? Not according to a recent report examining the use of both disposable and reusable nappies.

Environment Agency report reveals cloth nappies can save 40% carbon emissions

Washable nappies can save 40% carbon emissions over disposables an Environment Agency study has published. An Updated Lifecycle Assessment Study for Disposable and Reusable Nappies examines the environmental impacts of the two systems. While at first glance the report suggests there may be little to choose between them, it shows how a good washing routine can make all the difference.Simply washing nappies in fuller loads in an energy efficient machine and line drying them provides over 40% reduction in carbon. Reusing nappies on a second child saves even more.

Biba Hartigan of Women's Environmental Network (WEN) says: "At last, this report supports what WEN has been stating for decades - real nappies are best for the environment with 40% carbon savings to be made over disposables. It's easy to make a difference with a sensible washing routine. It's just common sense. And parents can save money with real nappies too." The difference between the systems could be even greater. Some key assumptions in the report are questionable. It is assumed that people use more washable nappies than disposables. WEN research based on larger, statistically sound samples has found that there is no difference in the number of nappies used.

Unlike the simple washing routine which anyone can adopt now, improvements posed for the disposables system are not currently available. Further weight reduction requires technological development and widespread MBT recycling is a long way off.

WEN is concerned that the Environment Agency and Defra have chosen not to publicise these findings. One day they make a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and the next they miss an opportunity to promote information which could help every young family in the country achieve a 40%+ carbon saving on nappies.

For more infomation on cutting your carbon emissions see WEN's latest publication, The Three Tonne Club Handbook.

• The Women's Environmental Network

Where to next?

• Read the Women's Environmental Network's response to the report here.
• See what other babyworld members think about this debate!
• Read our guide to choosing and using nappies.
• Visit babyworld's shop for lots of useful products for baby's changing time!