An incredible eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in Britain and some studies suggest that the plastics used in them may take up to 500 years to break down.
Fortunately there is an alternative that can be far better for the the environment - and cheaper too.
Modern cloth nappies, or 'real nappies' as they are often known, help to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill.
We support the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Real Nappy Network (CPRNN), who promote the use of modern cloth nappies.
Free nappy sample kits
Please note: all the kits for this financial year (to end of March 2010) have already been allocated. If you are interested in finding out more please contact Vicky Kelso on victoria.kelso@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 457651.
The kits contain:
- six washable nappies (three different types of nappy)
- two waterproof covers
- a roll of biodegradable flushable liners
- a 'wet bag' to keep the nappies in.
The kits are intended to give you a chance to try out a few different types of real nappy before you buy any, so that you can make the best choice for you.
These kits are only available to Cambridge residents who have a baby under six months old or are expecting. Two of the nappies in the kit are designed for newborn babies, so you will get best use from the kit the earlier you reserve one.
Here are some comments from people who have used the free kits:
"It's a brilliant scheme as it gets you started on cloth nappies for free early on and lets you try out a variety of types. I'm now totally committed to using them, but might not have got started otherwise.
"The free offer tipped us from just thinking about cloth nappies to using them and buying more. And recommending them. Great idea.
"We never use disposable nappies now and have saved a lot of money and a lot of landfill space. Thank you, I think this is a great scheme."
