2 May 2013

Cloth nappies save money & the environment

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) is hoping parents will switch to using modern cloth nappies over disposables for the sake of Ruapehu’s environment and save themselves big bucks in the process.

RDC Group Manager Community Services, Margaret Hawthorne, said that parents, caregivers and whanau are being invited to a free morning tea presentation by ‘the nappy lady’ Kate Meads.

“People coming to the morning tea will learn everything that they need to know about modern cloth nappies from the cost savings over disposables, how they are better for the environment, the different modern nappy options and styles as well as how to wash and care for your nappies,” she said.

“Once people know they are often horrified at the impact disposable nappies have on the environment and amazed at how much they can save by using modern cloth nappies,” she said.

“Council’s audit of kerbside rubbish bags last year found that in some collection areas almost a quarter of all waste going into the landfill was made up of disposable nappies.”

“This is a huge issue and councils all around NZ have been working on solutions.”

“Some of the larger councils are collecting disposable nappies to turn into compost however Ruapehu doesn’t have the economies of scale to make this feasible.”

“Encouraging the use of cloth nappies however can make a huge difference while at the same time saving families thousands of dollars.”

Mrs Hawthorne noted that the economics of using modern cloth nappies over disposables was compelling.

“Over the 2.5 years a baby is typically in nappies the saving from using cloth nappies can be as much as $6,000,” she said.

“Even if cloth nappies are not used all of the time people will still save a lot of money and make a big difference in caring for Ruapehu’s environment.”

Mrs Hawthorne said that to encourage the up-take of cloth nappies council was selling a special cloth nappy ‘starter pack’ worth $100 for only $20.

“Each cloth nappy starter pack contains three modern cloth nappies from three different suppliers along with a booklet guide to modern cloth nappies,” she said.

“The ‘starter pack’ nappies are suitable for both boys and girls and will fit a baby from birth through to potty.”

“As we want to ensure that all Ruapehu parents and caregivers who want to try out cloth nappies can do so there is a limit of one ‘starter pack’ per household per child and we are asking for purchasers to bring an official bill or statement showing their name and address along with some supporting id such as a bank card or drivers licence.”

Mrs Hawthorne added that buying a ‘starter pack’ automatically enters purchasers into a draw to win one of two stroller and cloth nappy prize packages worth $800.

“The ‘starter packs’ will be available at ‘the nappy lady’ morning tea presentations or afterwards at any council office while stocks last,” she said.

The Taumarunui presentation is on Tuesday 14th May in the REAP Conference Room on Hakiaha St and in Raetihi on Wednesday 15h May in the Council Chambers. Both run from 10.30am to 12.00midday.

For more information call Tracy Gibson via your local council office or see www.ruapehudc.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media