Discovering Modern Cloth Nappies and Eco-Friendly Disposable Nappies
Shrinking Baby’s Carbon Footprint: 1 Important Tip To Make Sure Your Cloth Nappy Use Produces Less C02…
Posted by
Charndra in
Mama * Earth * Kids, MCN Advice: Our Nappy Experts on
Jun 3rd, 2010 |
4 responses
We all know about global warming and how we can make a difference for future generations with small changes. Babies are small, so it is fitting that by making little adjustments within our lifestyles, we can shrink the carbon footprint of our babies. This is great for the future, and is settling a standard of sustainability others can follow too!
For today’s topic we’ve asked our Nappy WAHM’s the question:
What is 1 important tip to make sure your cloth nappy use produces less C02?
I’m pleased to have contributions from many friends of My Green Nappy included in this absorbing article. We have Emma from Brindabella Baby, Mel from Little Para Pants, Louise from Scamps Boutique, Eva from Oz Baby Trends, Inge from Earth Kidz, Kyra of Bubbalooba, Cassandra from New Age Nappies, Annette from Iish Fly, Michelle from Issy Bear Nappies, Ashley from Cheeky Creations, Carli from MiniLaLa, Tracey fromFlattery, Bec from Baby Chilli, Julie from Cloth For Comfort and Chris from Baby Bullfrogs.
Let’s see what they have to say:
“Using cloth benefits our environment. What is 1 important tip to make sure your cloth nappy use produces less C02?”
Emma of Brindabella Baby:
Once you’ve found a nappy system that suits you, buy exactly the number of nappies that fits in your washing machine, plus six (to wear on washing day). This means you only ever wash a full load, but haven’t bought more nappies than you really need.
Mel of Little Para Pants:
Use them for more than one child, I’m thinking.
Louise of Scamps Boutique, NZ:
Use a dry pail instead of a wet pail.
Eva of Oz Baby Trends:
Hang them on the line!! Unless you have rain for 3 weeks or an insufficient stash, there’s no need to use a dryer.
Cassandra of New Age Nappies:
Try to line dry.
Annette of Iish Fly:
Purchase enough nappies so you only have to wash twice a week, and always dry them on a line, in the sun is best. Sell the clothes dryer and purchase 1 if not 2 small indoor clothes drying racks for those wet days.
Michelle of Issy Bear Nappies:
Use the line wherever possible. Use minimal amount of detergents.
Ashley of Cheeky Creations:
Hang your nappies out in the sun instead of using the dryer. Dryers ruin cloth nappies and the sun is so good for them.
Carli from MiniLaLa:
Wash in cold water and line dry! Warm or hot water and tumble drying increases carbon emissions tenfold (approximately).
Tracey from Flattery:
Don’t dry in the dryer
Bec from Baby Chilli:
Use the sun to dry your nappies and not the dryer, its better for them and will make them last longer plus you produce less emissions and your electricity bill will thank you.
Julie from Cloth For Comfort:
Wait until you have a full washing machine load before you wash, and if your machine needs replacing, consider getting a front loader as it uses significantly less water!
Chris from Baby Bullfrogs:
Buy Australian Made – preferably products using natural, organic fabrics.
This is part of a regular series of articles that offer you an insight into the beliefs, concerns, knowledge and wisdom of Mums making and selling modern cloth nappies in Australia and New Zealand. They are so engrossing to read!
Thanks to all of our Nappy Doula’s for taking the time to share their thoughts.
- Charndra.
P.S. I call them a ‘Nappy Doula’ as they will help, guide and be available for support with your Modern Cloth Nappy needs – simply ask for their advice – they are cloth nappy enthusiasts!
3 Recommended Resources about Reducing, Considering or Learning More About Carbon Footprints:
- Carbon Neutral – Carbon Neutral is a not for profit company working with hundreds of organisations to measure, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions and support revegetation projects.
- Planet Ark Green Resolutions – I’ve been getting these all year - Each week, you will receive one Green Resolution with information, tips and links for achieving the specific resolution… It’s great ‘eco-karma’ when one pops up that I am already doing!
- Offering Baby a Potty Break to Reduce Your Overall Use of Nappies… - You use cloth nappies. They are a better choice environmentally, using 40% less resources than their disposable counterparts. Even part time use of cloth is a wonderful gesture towards reducing waste.
A Question to You About Shrinking YOUR Baby’s Carbon Footprint:
What is ONE little gesture you have made this week towards reducing waste?
4 Responses to “ Shrinking Baby’s Carbon Footprint: 1 Important Tip To Make Sure Your Cloth Nappy Use Produces Less C02… ”
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I use Soap Nuts instead of laundry detergent. It is a natural reuseable resource and it is compostable also. It is the little things but we all try.
I have a front loader washing machine whickh uses less water and less detergent. Also I dry pail and line dry
Couldn’t agree more with these suggestions. I wash mine in cold water and line dry in the sun if possible or in front of the fire in winter.
When I’m at home I always use cloth washers rather than wipes. They are cheap, reusable, and they can be washed in the same load as the nappies..and I am sure a warm washer on my bub’s bottom must be much nicer than a disposable wipe (especially in a cold Canberra winter)!