Over one million disposable nappies are thrown away in Hampshire each week, which costs Hampshire’s council tax payers £500,000 each year.

To coincide with Real Nappy Week 2001, Project Integra is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the alternatives to disposable nappies.

The days of folding the traditional ‘terry square’ and securing with a pin have been superseded by a new shaped style which is fastened with Velcro or poppers. In addition, you can get someone else to do the ‘dirty’ work for you via a nappy laundering service! All you have to do is put the soiled nappies in a pre-purchased container, and once a week these are collected and a clean supply delivered.

Sally Smith, Recycling Officer at Havant Borough Council says "I have used a nappy laundering service since the birth of my daughter 6 months ago. They are simple to use and even my child minder doesn’t mind using them!"

Once re-usable nappies have been purchased, the cost of laundering is comparable to the purchase of disposable nappies, and if they are washed at home, it may even save money. There are also environmental savings as washable nappies can be used time and time again reducing the need for disposal. In two years, disposable nappies for one child, will use the equivalent to 20 trees!

The overall aim of this initiative is to introduce and explain the alternatives available to parents, and to encourage them to try using washable nappies. A leaflet containing further information can be obtained by contacting Project Integra on 0800 0855896 for a free leaflet.

Following this launch, the next stage of the campaign will be to engage the support of a maternity hospital, a nursery school and other child carers, such as child minders, to make washable nappies available for the infants in their care.

Ends

23 April 2001