A national awareness week will encourage people to save money and help the environment by switching to reusable nappies.
Real Nappy Week, which runs from 22 to 27 April, aims to spread the word about the many benefits of using cloth nappies and asks people to share their experiences, to encourage others to find out more about ‘going real.’
A total of 355,000 tonnes of single use nappies are disposed of each year, costing taxpayers £32 million.
By making the change from disposable nappies to reusable ones, families can reduce this figure and could also save between £100 and £1,000 of their own money.
Victoria Burrell, Durham County Council’s waste strategy team manager, said: “As well as the financial benefits, swapping to reusable can reduce the amount of nappy waste sent for disposal.”
“Cloth nappies are available in a variety of materials, designs, colours and patterns and can be more comfortable for your baby, as they’re made from soft materials like cotton which is gentle to sensitive skin.”
To celebrate this year’s campaign, the council is giving away two real nappy starter packs worth £70 each. To enter, go to the Recycle for County Durham Facebook page www.facebook.com/recycleforcountydurham and answer the real nappy question.
The competition closes for entries on Monday 6 May.
Parents who do use disposable nappies are being reminded that they cannot be recycled so need to be bagged up and put in rubbish bins.
To find out more about using real nappies, visit www.durham.gov.uk/realnappies or www.growupgreen.co.uk or follow the campaign’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RealNappyWeekOfficial
