Council calls on parents to save waste by ditching disposal nappies

Lambeth Town Hall, by Laura Spargo
Lambeth Town Hall, by Laura Spargo

Lambeth council is calling on parents to use real nappies instead of the disposable alternative in a bid to save money and cut waste.

The appeal coincides with Real Nappy Week from April 15 to April 21 whose theme this year is “Real Nappies… Real Change!” as it seeks to change parents’ behaviour.

In Lambeth around 5,000 babies are born each year, and disposable nappies make up three per cent of household waste – that’s around 2,000 tonnes of waste costing almost £300,000 a year to dispose of.

Cllr Imogen Walker, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “Real nappies are a lot easier to use than they used to be and as well as being greener, there are financial benefits for parents too. It’s estimated you can save up to £650 per child by switching to real nappies.”

To help get parents started and cut the number of disposable nappies thrown away in the borough, the council has introduced the Lambeth Real Nappy Pack. It comes in a wash bag and contains three “all in one” and “one size fits all” style washable nappies, a roll of liners and a booster liner.

Lambeth council organises regular demonstrations and has its own washable nappy advisor who regularly meets parents to help them make the switch.

The next chance to find out more and to get advice on how to change over will be held at Brockwell Park One O’Clock Club which is accessed from Arlingford Road in Tulse Hill.

The event will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 1pm – 2pm and booking is advised by emailing realnappies@lambeth.gov.uk.

The effort is being made as part of Lambeth Council’s Cleaner and Greener Streets campaign about everything we’re doing to make the borough a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.

To apply for a pack or for more information about the scheme and events visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/realnappies.