Well done to EnviroComp and Biffa for getting this story about composting nappies on BBC Breakfast just before the Waste Prevention Plan for England was published on 11 December 2013.
Composting nappy waste is certainly a better business model than Knowaste's recycling plant. There would only have been 6 nappy recycling processors in the UK so the road miles would have been a disaster.
EnviroComp's composting process has the advantage of having been tried and tested in New Zealand. The treatment of the disposable nappies can happen relatively locally. Could this happen in central London?
It will still require separate collections of nappies. That's a challenge. It would be good if customers pay for the collection or get rewarded for dropping off at a nappy bank, somewhere they are going anyway, such as the supermarket - to reduce road miles and prevent the additional costs being added to council tax bills.
The plastic still has to be sieved off and is sent for incineration. So unfortunately that's toxic. The superabsorbent gel remains in the compost. That means it's going to end up in the food chain eventually. We don't know what happens to birds that have eaten worms that have eaten superabsorbent gel. The best thing to do is for Europe to ban superabsorbent gel from single-use nappies. We've been calling for this for some time.
We also need to consider the impacts of the manufacture, packaging and distribution of 4-6,000 single-use nappies per baby.
Those of you who frequent this blog will also have seen our concerns that disposable nappies lengthen the time children stay in nappies and there are health issues/costs - financial and environmental.
Still, this is better than landfill, incineration or recycling nappies. However nappy laundry services, reusable nappies and elimination communication are even better. Thanks to all of you who are increasing real nappy use across London and reducing the impacts of single-use nappies. Enjoy your baby!
Posts that may be of interest: Are potty training methods in the west...
In particular look at the last comment on this blog
and
We're talking about potty training again
Saturday 21 December 2013
Wednesday 18 December 2013
MothersLoveGreen: A new group for mums
This is an inspiring guest blog from MothersLoveGreen. If you would like to go but are too far from Archway why not set up something similar for mothers in your area (or fathers or parents)?
It’s easy to get a bit of cabin fever on the mum-scene. Sometimes it feels like the wheels on the bus really are going round all day long. There aren’t many groups where you can hang out with your babe and also engage with wider issues in the big wide world.
This is where MothersLoveGreen comes in – a new group for mums who are interested in environmental and sustainability issues.
MothersLoveGreen runs a bit like a book group – but we discuss a theme on the topic of sustainability, climate change and the environment each month, instead of all reading the same book. Meet ups happen on the second Wednesday morning of every month, at my house in Archway. We share what we have learned in the group; and discuss whether we could spread a little mothers’ love to help things move in a positive direction. Obviously babies and little people are welcome!
We are also drawing on the great expertise and knowledge that lies within the mum scene itself. There are mums who are already experts in their own right - working on sustainability issues in government; think tanks; research; business; NGOs and more. Sometimes we invite them as speakers to talk to the group and give us the inside story on issues they know about – and some are part of the group itself.
Being involved is a great way to learn more about sustainability issues, to do something positive and to meet like-minded people. If you are looking for a mums-and-babies group that isn’t just about baby-stuff, then this might be the group for you.
We are only just starting up, and would be delighted to have more people join us. If you are interested in hearing more or in getting involved, please email me at pollard.amy (at) gmail.com
It’s easy to get a bit of cabin fever on the mum-scene. Sometimes it feels like the wheels on the bus really are going round all day long. There aren’t many groups where you can hang out with your babe and also engage with wider issues in the big wide world.
This is where MothersLoveGreen comes in – a new group for mums who are interested in environmental and sustainability issues.
MothersLoveGreen runs a bit like a book group – but we discuss a theme on the topic of sustainability, climate change and the environment each month, instead of all reading the same book. Meet ups happen on the second Wednesday morning of every month, at my house in Archway. We share what we have learned in the group; and discuss whether we could spread a little mothers’ love to help things move in a positive direction. Obviously babies and little people are welcome!
We are also drawing on the great expertise and knowledge that lies within the mum scene itself. There are mums who are already experts in their own right - working on sustainability issues in government; think tanks; research; business; NGOs and more. Sometimes we invite them as speakers to talk to the group and give us the inside story on issues they know about – and some are part of the group itself.
Being involved is a great way to learn more about sustainability issues, to do something positive and to meet like-minded people. If you are looking for a mums-and-babies group that isn’t just about baby-stuff, then this might be the group for you.
We are only just starting up, and would be delighted to have more people join us. If you are interested in hearing more or in getting involved, please email me at pollard.amy (at) gmail.com
Wednesday 11 December 2013
Prevention of nappy waste is best
Thanks to everyone who came to the real nappy flashmob today. We are parents who have discovered reusable nappies and love them. We are saying to other parents "try zero waste nappies, you may find you love them too".
We held the event because today the first ever Waste Prevention Plan for England was published. There is no mention of nappies in it. It's disappointing but we do understand that talking about nappies can create unhelpful headlines such as Parents forced to wash nappies. We also understand that some people don't want to or are unable to wash nappies and disposables work for them. However, we also know that more people would use reusable nappies if they were easier to buy/get hold of and seemed a bit more 'normal'.
In the Autumn Statement chancellor George Osborne forecast a return to pre-1948 levels of public spending by 2019. It's a good thing the treasury is not responsible for the cost of disposable nappy waste as it wasn't a line on the budget back then. However local authorities ie council tax payers are going to have to pay for it.
With 729 674 births in England and Wales (ONS) in 2012, the cost to the council tax payer of disposing of 3 billion nappies every year (8 million a day) is in the region of £40 million and going up. £70 per tonne of which goes to the government in landfill tax, a fiscal measure designed to reduce waste to landfill, especially that which releases methane - a potent climate change gas. The cost to the council tax payer of those who choose to wash nappies will be zero. Apart from the small percentage that is spent on information, incentives and rewards to encourage the uptake of reusable nappies.
Is it really okay for this Waste Prevention Programme to ignore the parents, nurseries, healthcare workers and local authorities that are reducing disposable nappy waste? And what about some recognition for the businesses that help households use alternatives to disposable nappies?
We're using today to help people find out about real nappies because we love them! Want to find out more?
Look for a local nappy library in your area.
Find out if your London borough offers a real nappy incentive here.
Click here for info about eco-disposables.
Interested to find out about the history of waste prevention in the UK? Look at WEN's paper, published April 2003 Disposable Nappies: a case study in waste prevention.
We held the event because today the first ever Waste Prevention Plan for England was published. There is no mention of nappies in it. It's disappointing but we do understand that talking about nappies can create unhelpful headlines such as Parents forced to wash nappies. We also understand that some people don't want to or are unable to wash nappies and disposables work for them. However, we also know that more people would use reusable nappies if they were easier to buy/get hold of and seemed a bit more 'normal'.
In the Autumn Statement chancellor George Osborne forecast a return to pre-1948 levels of public spending by 2019. It's a good thing the treasury is not responsible for the cost of disposable nappy waste as it wasn't a line on the budget back then. However local authorities ie council tax payers are going to have to pay for it.
With 729 674 births in England and Wales (ONS) in 2012, the cost to the council tax payer of disposing of 3 billion nappies every year (8 million a day) is in the region of £40 million and going up. £70 per tonne of which goes to the government in landfill tax, a fiscal measure designed to reduce waste to landfill, especially that which releases methane - a potent climate change gas. The cost to the council tax payer of those who choose to wash nappies will be zero. Apart from the small percentage that is spent on information, incentives and rewards to encourage the uptake of reusable nappies.
Is it really okay for this Waste Prevention Programme to ignore the parents, nurseries, healthcare workers and local authorities that are reducing disposable nappy waste? And what about some recognition for the businesses that help households use alternatives to disposable nappies?
We're using today to help people find out about real nappies because we love them! Want to find out more?
Look for a local nappy library in your area.
Find out if your London borough offers a real nappy incentive here.
Click here for info about eco-disposables.
Interested to find out about the history of waste prevention in the UK? Look at WEN's paper, published April 2003 Disposable Nappies: a case study in waste prevention.
Friday 6 December 2013
We're talking about potty training again
When we talk about nappies all sorts of other topics come up, like Mooncups and Cloth Sanitary Products (CSP), even recycling and composting. Washing nappies in an eco-friendly way comes up a lot as you'd imagine. And also stuff to do with health like breastfeeding, baby-led weaning, nappy rash and potty training - that comes up a lot. We're asked questions and then we do some research and talk to health professionals.
Something we've come across lately is a worrying increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs) and constipation amongst children. Some health professionals are attributing this trend to infrequent nappy changes, others to current toilet training methods. Our refined diet plays a part too.
At the moment the findings are anecdotal and there is no hard research published on which to base health policy interventions. At Real Nappies for London we believe in sharing knowledge so that parents are aware of the risks and can make up their own mind about what to do.
In the French nappy documentary, Couchorama a toileting anthropologist (yes, really - he's very interesting) describes western style nappy habits as 'hospitalisation'. We wrap the child in a nappy and just change the baby/patient as a routine. This is in contrast to what happens in most parts of the world where the parent/carer looks for cues from the baby that s/he wants to pee or poo and the child is held over a pot or in a convenient position and place for the baby to 'eliminate'.
A study by a Swedish paediatrician of toileting habits in Vietnam found babies were releasing the bladder 'on demand' at 9 months, starting independence at 12 months and in control of the bladder by 18 months. We are meeting more and more parents who are doing this with their babies or at least giving their child the opportunity to 'eliminate' on a pot/toilet at changing time.
This is in direct contrast to mainstream Western style toilet training where we often delay offering the potty or toilet until the child is two or perhaps even older. But there is a growing body of research indicating that chldren develop the ability to control their bladders and bowels through the process of toilet training. This suggests the earlier the child has the opportunity to do this the better.
However there are also continence experts who believe children are at more risk of constipation and UTIs if potty training starts early. The influential article By Dr Steve Hodges in the Huffington Post says that children have a greater tendancy to 'hold' if they've been potty trained early. So what should a parent do?
Any baby/toddler is at risk of 'holding' on to urine or poo. It's important therefore to be observant about how regularly your child eliminates. You should notice the colour of the pee. It should be pale yellow. If it is dark yellow ensure your child drinks more water.
It's also important to be aware of how quickly food moves through the bowels. This will enable you to look out for constipation. It's true that a child may poo regularly but still be constipated. However there are certain highly coloured foods and foods that are only partially digested by young intestines that help you see how quickly food passes through your child's gut eg beetroot, spinach, prunes, peas.
Anecdotally it looks like parents are putting off potty/toilet training until later and later. It also seems to be perceived as something really quite stressful for the parent and child. Fitted carpets don't help!
Our advice is gather the information and decide what's right for you and your child.
For further reading see Are Potty Training Methods in the West
If you're looking for toilet training advice see New thoughts on Potty Training
Check out EC simplified.
Something we've come across lately is a worrying increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs) and constipation amongst children. Some health professionals are attributing this trend to infrequent nappy changes, others to current toilet training methods. Our refined diet plays a part too.
At the moment the findings are anecdotal and there is no hard research published on which to base health policy interventions. At Real Nappies for London we believe in sharing knowledge so that parents are aware of the risks and can make up their own mind about what to do.
In the French nappy documentary, Couchorama a toileting anthropologist (yes, really - he's very interesting) describes western style nappy habits as 'hospitalisation'. We wrap the child in a nappy and just change the baby/patient as a routine. This is in contrast to what happens in most parts of the world where the parent/carer looks for cues from the baby that s/he wants to pee or poo and the child is held over a pot or in a convenient position and place for the baby to 'eliminate'.
A study by a Swedish paediatrician of toileting habits in Vietnam found babies were releasing the bladder 'on demand' at 9 months, starting independence at 12 months and in control of the bladder by 18 months. We are meeting more and more parents who are doing this with their babies or at least giving their child the opportunity to 'eliminate' on a pot/toilet at changing time.
This is in direct contrast to mainstream Western style toilet training where we often delay offering the potty or toilet until the child is two or perhaps even older. But there is a growing body of research indicating that chldren develop the ability to control their bladders and bowels through the process of toilet training. This suggests the earlier the child has the opportunity to do this the better.
However there are also continence experts who believe children are at more risk of constipation and UTIs if potty training starts early. The influential article By Dr Steve Hodges in the Huffington Post says that children have a greater tendancy to 'hold' if they've been potty trained early. So what should a parent do?
Any baby/toddler is at risk of 'holding' on to urine or poo. It's important therefore to be observant about how regularly your child eliminates. You should notice the colour of the pee. It should be pale yellow. If it is dark yellow ensure your child drinks more water.
It's also important to be aware of how quickly food moves through the bowels. This will enable you to look out for constipation. It's true that a child may poo regularly but still be constipated. However there are certain highly coloured foods and foods that are only partially digested by young intestines that help you see how quickly food passes through your child's gut eg beetroot, spinach, prunes, peas.
Anecdotally it looks like parents are putting off potty/toilet training until later and later. It also seems to be perceived as something really quite stressful for the parent and child. Fitted carpets don't help!
Our advice is gather the information and decide what's right for you and your child.
For further reading see Are Potty Training Methods in the West
If you're looking for toilet training advice see New thoughts on Potty Training
Check out EC simplified.
Monday 2 December 2013
Nappies NOT a landfill issue. Really?
Defra will be making a big mistake if it leaves nappies out of the Waste Prevention Plan for England, due to be published later this month. I can already see and hear the crowing media releases from AHPMA (Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturer's Associaton). "Disposable nappies NOT a landfill problem. Parents need feel no guilt. They should just use the type of nappy that most suits their lifestyle".
This is disinformation. It's also completely ignoring the waste hierarchy. Disposable nappies are up to 12% of household waste in some areas of London. And clearly not every household is putting out disposable nappy waste. If there are two babies in a home wearing disposable nappies that's 2 black bin bags of waste per week, weighing approx 14 kilos. Saying disposable nappies are not a waste issue makes a mockery of a programme that aims to move England towards becoming a "Zero Waste Economy". How can anyone think that household waste is a problem when disposable nappies are not considered a significant waste stream?
If you have a baby in real nappies and want to tell the government you enjoy using real nappies and they should be praising you for reducing waste to landfill please join us for a #realnappyflashmob. You can sign up here. We need to make a big spectacle and create media coverage so the media isn't totally dominated by disposable nappy companies saying their nappies are not a landfill problem.
The Waste Prevention Plan for England will be published any day now - but we don't know when. We want to hold the flashmob on the actual day of publication to get the best opportunity of media coverage. I know when you have a baby/toddler (or both) it's really difficult to be spontaneous but this is a really important media opportunity. Please sign up. We will text you to let you know it's on. We know many of you will be unable to make it but if there's any chance that you can please sign up. The deadline set by Europe for the publication of the Waste Prevention Plan is 12 December. If the programme is not published by this date we will hold the flashmob on 12 December anyway to mark the Government missing the deadline.
You may also be interested in this: Remember the Waste Hierarchy
This is disinformation. It's also completely ignoring the waste hierarchy. Disposable nappies are up to 12% of household waste in some areas of London. And clearly not every household is putting out disposable nappy waste. If there are two babies in a home wearing disposable nappies that's 2 black bin bags of waste per week, weighing approx 14 kilos. Saying disposable nappies are not a waste issue makes a mockery of a programme that aims to move England towards becoming a "Zero Waste Economy". How can anyone think that household waste is a problem when disposable nappies are not considered a significant waste stream?
If you have a baby in real nappies and want to tell the government you enjoy using real nappies and they should be praising you for reducing waste to landfill please join us for a #realnappyflashmob. You can sign up here. We need to make a big spectacle and create media coverage so the media isn't totally dominated by disposable nappy companies saying their nappies are not a landfill problem.
The Waste Prevention Plan for England will be published any day now - but we don't know when. We want to hold the flashmob on the actual day of publication to get the best opportunity of media coverage. I know when you have a baby/toddler (or both) it's really difficult to be spontaneous but this is a really important media opportunity. Please sign up. We will text you to let you know it's on. We know many of you will be unable to make it but if there's any chance that you can please sign up. The deadline set by Europe for the publication of the Waste Prevention Plan is 12 December. If the programme is not published by this date we will hold the flashmob on 12 December anyway to mark the Government missing the deadline.
You may also be interested in this: Remember the Waste Hierarchy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)