Disposable diapers or washable are greener?

I don't know what to do regarding the diapers and our first child is expected soon! I always thought I would plump for reusable nappies, however, we have recently moved to Kuwait with the work of my husband and he says that, due to the way water is desalinated here and consumes so much water, it would be more ecological to use disposable. The eco-friendly disposable products on the market are not sold here and even if I stocked largely would be dependent on the marks less ethical. I really am in a dilemma, please help!

Claire Shepherd, by email

Seems to have been a while now since last heard anyone raise this age-old debate. Six years ago, it was all the rage, probably because the Agency published its controversial report which calculated and compared the environmental footprint of washable diapers and disposable.

My reaction to the report can be seen here an article I wrote for the resources section of the book G2. Why, I asked, the report did not examine the amount of waste sent to landfills that generate disposable diapers? And why, when you try to calculate the embodied energy of washable diapers, he assume people settled them?!

In 2008, the Department of environment, food and Rural Affairs has published an updated report (pdf), which drew conclusions much more subtle. He concluded: "the environmental impacts of using reusable nappies in shape can be larger or smaller than the disposable use, depending on how they are bleached. The report shows that, in contrast to the use of disposable nappies, is consumer behaviour after purchase that determines most of the impacts of reusable nappies ".

He then listed six ways for users of washable diapers to "reduce their environmental impacts": line drying outside whenever possible. fall of drying as little as possible. When replacing appliances, choosing more energy efficient appliances (A + rated machines); not washing above 60° c. Washing full loads; and reusing nappies on other children.

There was a time when the (previous) Government was actively promoting the use of washable nappies with grants schemas as real campaign contour diapers. In 2007, the then Minister of the environment said this "campaign three years managed to divert approximately 23,000 tons of biodegradable diapers waste landfill in England".

But, in addition to opening query response on comparative environmental merits of disposable diapers and washable, I also would to know if any of the local plans is still up and running to promote the use of washable diapers, or laundry service.

This column is an experiment in crowd-sourcing the reader's question, then please let us know your opinions and experiences below (as opposed to email them) and will join in with some of my own thoughts and reactions as advances the debate. I will also be inviting several interested parties to participate in the debate too.

? Send your own question of environment for ask.leo.and.lucy@guardian.co.uk.
Or, Alternatively, message me on Twitter @ LeoHickman

View the original article here

It's greener to use disposable diapers and disposable or washable? | Leo Hickman

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

View the original article here