By supporting Real Nappy Week, between 19^th and 25^th April, Hart District Council are hoping that parents will make the switch from disposable nappies to "real" nappies. Disposable nappies cannot be recycled and according to the Women’s Environmental Network make up about 4% household refuse; that’s an estimated 800,000 tonnes of waste going to landfill every year in UK.

What are real nappies? They range from traditional terry towelling to modern fitted nappies which offer all the benefits of disposables without the waste. By using reusable nappies, parents can also make savings of up to £600 per year according to The Real Nappy Association. Nappy laundering services also exist to cater from parents who want washable nappies without the washing.

Mrs Axton-Wilkins from Eversley uses her local nappy laundering service Nifty Nappies. "As a mother of three I became concerned over the environmental problems caused by disposable nappies. Having raised my first two children with disposable nappies and my third with nappies from a nappy laundering service, I can honestly say that they are no more expensive than disposables and just as convenient."

For a leaflet on where you can buy reusable nappies, find a local nappy laundering service or more information contact Stuart Robbens, Hart District Council’s Recycling Officer on 01252 622122 extension 4535. Alternatively contact The Real Nappy Association on 0181 299 4519, Women’s Environmental Network on 0171 247 3327 or National Association of Nappy Laundering Services on 0121 693 4949.