Real Nappies
Whether it is environmental, economical or ethical, there are many reasons why we may choose to use real nappies.
Real nappies have come a long way from the days of terry squares and nappy pins with a wide ranging choice of fabrics and designs now available. Real nappies are now trendy, durable and excellent value for money. For a cost comparison click here. Home laundered nappies could save parents around £500* on the cost of keeping a baby in nappies.
Download our real nappy fact sheet, and see what you can do.
Environmental Impact and Parental Choice
In the UK, we throw away 8 million* nappies a day and this has a huge impact on the environment. Real nappies give parents a choice and give them the power to reduce their environmental impact. Parents can opt for an energy efficient washing machine, wash at a lower temperature or take advantage of a local nappy laundering service. With disposables, the only way to reduce the impact on the environment is to use fewer nappies which in many cases is not ideal.
(*Cost and figures taken from Women's Environment Network)
Your choice - Purchasing real nappies
Just like disposable nappies, you can buy different types of real nappies to meet the needs of your child. For your nearest nappy contacts, services and suppliers, call the Go Real Helpline 0845 850 0606 (Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm, Sat 9am – 12noon) or visit www.goreal.org.uk, where you can also use the Go Real nappy finder to locate your local supplier.
Your choice – Using a nappy laundering service
Cottontails is a nappy laundry service available across Greater Manchester, delivering freshly laundered pure cotton nappies to your door each week. You can enjoy the benefits of re-usable nappies without the inconvenience of washing or the environmental impact of disposables.
Cottontails also provide a Home Laundering Trial Kit. If you are thinking of washing your own real nappies but are confused about which type of nappies and outer wraps to buy, they can help you decide what is right for you. To find out more, about Cottontails and their nappy services, visit their website at www.cottontails.co.uk or call on 0161 708 8223.
Real Nappy Incentive Schemes Across Greater Manchester
Local Authorities across the UK are trying to reduce the amount of household waste produced in their area. Landfill sites are filling up fast and real nappies are a great way to reduce the amount of waste going in.
At present the following three Local Authorities in Greater Manchester provide a real nappy incentive scheme for their residents to take part in. Click on the links below to go straight to their website and find out how you can take part:
Manchester
For more information visit Manchester City Council's real nappy page.
Oldham
For more information visit Oldham Borough Council's real nappy page.
Trafford
For more information visit Trafford Borought Council's real nappy page.
Other organisations you may find useful:
The Nappy Trial Service
Website: www.nappytrialservice.co.uk
The National Association of Nappy Services
Website: www.changeanappy.co.uk
Women’s Environmental Network
Website: www.wen.org.uk
Tel: 020 7481 9004
