Saving the World

Having now given washable nappies as a baby gift to several people I feel like I have to write about it here.

This is a link to some information about 'real' vs. disposable nappies:
http://http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1287722.stm

Kate has been in washable nappies since she was 8 weeks old (http://http://www.kushies.com/home.html). We only use disposables when we travel somewhere that doesn't have a washer and dryer. I have to say, it is sometimes a struggle using washables (when there is a really nasty 'gift' in the package) but always worth it. Every time I change her nappy I feel good about it (that's a lot of feeling good).

And if saving the environment isn't what does it for you - it actually works out cheaper over the life of nappy-time. In England we are looking at approximately £10 per week on nappies (depending on brand - Pampers is more expensive) for approximately 100+ weeks (if you go by average potty-training age). The nappies I use are on the pricier side of washable nappies (because while I am into saving the environment I want to do so with as much convenience as possible, so the ones I use are Kushies' Ultras which have built-in waterproof layers and velcro fastenings) and the total cost (15 infant- and 15 toddler-sized) comes out to about £300 including nappies, nappy soak, liners and biodegradable wipes.

As a final incentive - once you are all done with the nappies they can be donated to charities who will give them to needy families in third-world countries.