I'm not sure what to do regarding diapers and our first child should soon! I had always thought I would plump for reusable nappies, however, we have recently moved into Kuwait with the work of my husband and he says that the way that the water is desalinated and consumes much water here, would be more respectful to use disposable. Eco-friendly disposables market are not sold here and although I stocked up largely would depend less ethical brands. I'm really in a quandary, please help!
Claire Shepherd, via email
It seems to have been a bit now since I last heard anyone raise this age-old debate. Six years ago, was all the rage, probably because the Environment Agency published its controversial report which calculated and compared the environmental impact of washable diapers is USA and throw.
My reaction to the report can be seen here in an article I wrote for this card features section G2. Why, I asked, had not examined the amount of waste sent to landfills that create disposable diapers? And why, when you try to calculate the embodied energy of washable diapers, hire people they ironed?!
In 2008, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published an updated report (pdf), which drew conclusions much more nuances. It concluded: "the environmental impact of using reusable nappies form may be greater or less than using disposable, depending on how they are recycled. The report shows that, in contrast to the use of disposable diapers and throw, is consumer behaviour after purchase that determines most of the impacts from reusable diapers. "
Then listed six ways for users of washable diapers to "reduce their environmental footprint": line drying outside whenever possible. Tumble drying as soon as possible; When replacing appliances, choose the most energy efficient appliances (A + machines); not washing above 60° C; washing fuller loads; and reusing nappies on other children.
There was a time when the (previous) Government was actively promoting the use of washable diapers with subsidised schemes like Real Nappy campaign of WRAP. In 2007, the then Minister of environment said this "campaign of three years was able to divert approximately 23,000 tons of biodegradable waste from landfill in England diapers."
But, beyond answering the query opening on comparative environmental merits disposable diapers and washable, throw and I'd be also interested to hear if any local schemas are still up and running, promoting the use of washable diapers, or laundry service.
This column is an experiment in crowd-sourcing application by the player, then please let us know your opinions and experiences under (as opposed to sending them) and I join in with some of my thoughts and reactions with the advance of the debate. I will be inviting several interested parties to participate in the debate too.
? Please send your question to ask.leo.and.lucy@guardian.co.uk environment.
Or, Alternatively, message me on Twitter @ LeoHickman
没有评论:
发表评论