Most parents want to create a better world for their tots to grow up in, but green parenting can be a challenge.
In the first year of life, an average baby goes through between 2,000 and 2,200 nappies. That’s a lot of nappy changes! In fact, we throw away about three billion nappies annually in the UK, representing an estimated 2% to 3% of all household waste. These discarded nappies take more than 500 years to break down in landfill, causing pollution.
When faced with these figures alone (we’ve not even got to baby wipes yet) parenting sustainably can seem impossible. However, don’t despair. When it comes to living more sustainably as a family, little actions can add up to big changes…
Did you realise that 90% of wipes sold in the UK contain plastic and take more than 100 years to break down in landfill?
The good news is that many companies, like Pura, are now offering parents an easy alternative with 100% plastic-free baby wipes that are as high quality and affordable regular wipes.
Pura’s baby wipes, for example, are made from FSC certified biodegradable plant-fibres, 99% water and organic aloe vera. They’re Vegan and cruelty-free, come in recyclable packaging and are made without fragrance, alcohol, parabens and chlorine. Suitable for sensitive and eczema prone skin - this type of wipe is good for babies and good for the planet!
While disposable nappies offer the ultimate in convenience, some parents turn to reusable nappies to reduce their impact on the planet. For others, the time and investment involved in reusables just isn’t feasible. And, recently, many baby brands are looking at ways to make their disposable nappies eco-friendlier.
Despite some claims to the contrary, Pura isn’t aware of any disposable nappy that is completely biodegradable - yet. All disposables contain some plastic, which is certainly not biodegradable. While a 100% biodegradable nappy doesn’t exist yet, Pura has created nappies that are lower impact, while still giving high performance. Where possible, the oil-based plastic in Pura nappies has been with plant-based materials and they are manufactured in a carbon neutral plant by a carbon neutral company. In addition, Pura nappies are certified as having a lower environmental impact by EU EcoLabel and Pura is a certified B Corporation and is working towards net zero
Looking to the future, there is another solution to the problem of nappy waste – recycling. The technology to recycle nappies already exists and can be applied to any and all nappies and other absorbent hygiene products (period products, adult incontinence etc.) currently available on the market. Once nappies are recycled, the the valuable cellulose and plastic fibre is turned into a new valuable product, such as asphalt, fibre board sheets and more. This is already happening in Wales thanks to Pura’s partner NappiCycle and support from the Welsh government. Pura NappiCycle has even been involved in relaying a road in Wales, using the recycled nappy material. In order for nappy recycling to become a mainstream service in the whole UK, we need support from local authorities and government – something Pura NappiCycle is currently working on.
To find out more visit www.mypura.com
