Maidenhead & Windsor

Mums and dads who robe their Maidenhead babies’ rears in real nappies are not only doing a world of good for the environment and their pockets – their little ones could also be the nattiest nippers around.

In support of Real Nappy Week, March 11 – 18, the Maidenhead Royal Borough’s waste awareness service is spreading the message that ditching the disposables will help reduce landfill, while the range of practical and funky real cloth nappies now on the market mean a cool look for Junior.

The service is teaming up with local cloth nappy advisors to stage three information sessions as follows:

· Tuesday March 13 – Windsor Leisure Centre (9.30am – 1pm)

· Sunday March 18 – Ascot Farmers’ Market (9.30am – 1pm)

· Monday March 19 – Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead (9am – 1pm)

Disposable nappies account for 4% of all household rubbish and in Windsor and Maidenhead alone about eight million nappies – more than 1,600 tonnes – are disposed of each year, at a cost to council taxpayers of more than £65,000.

To make matters worse, it is estimated each nappy that goes to landfill will take up to 500 years to biodegrade. The Royal Borough is keen to increase awareness about the use of cloth nappies to help reduce the amount of waste being sent to scarce landfill sites.

An added, and more direct, benefit to parents who cotton on to cloth nappies is a potential saving of up to £500. And real nappies have moved on from the old-fashioned square towel and safety pin, with modern versions being shaped, fitted and self-fastening.

Cllr Margaret Hyde, who has special responsibility for Maidenhead recycling, will visit the Windsor Leisure Centre on Tuesday March 13 from 9.30am and the Magnet Leisure Centre on Monday March 19 just before 1pm.

Maidenhead Cllr Hyde said: “At a time when we are all so aware of the threat our environment is under and the need for each one of us to act now to reduce and prevent further damage, it is important for parents to discover what a positive impact they could make.

“Disposables may be convenient – but when you think of all those soiled nappies being buried in the ground in landfill sites, it’s not a pleasant thought. Neither is it environmentally sustainable. By visiting the sessions and following the advice available, parents can make a real contribution to cutting the size of the disposable nappy waste mountain.

“We need to help parents appreciate that by using real nappies they can save money, reduce waste, reduce harm to the environment – and, of course, help cut the amount council taxpayers have to fork out for waste disposal.”

Real Nappy Week is supported by more than 80% of local authorities in the country. It is co-ordinated by the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN), working with the Real Nappy Campaign, and funded by WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme).

Ten top tips to help the environment by using real nappies

· Use an energy efficient washing machine

· Wash soiled nappies at 60oC

· Wash wet nappies and waterproof wraps at lower temperatures along with the rest of your laundry

· Avoid tumble drying – hang nappies out to dry or use an airer

· Avoid soaking – store nappies dry in a lidded bucket

· Avoid using unnecessary chemicals such as conditioners and sanitisers

· Use eco-detergent

· Never iron nappies or wraps

· Extend the life of your nappies - reuse them on another baby, or give/sell them to someone else
· Use washable liners.

Further information about using real nappies is available on the council’s website www.rbwm.gov.uk or at www.realnappycampaign.com

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead