MEDIA RELEASE Reusable Nappy Week 2010

Reduce Your Baby’s Environmental Impact at Reusable Nappy Week 2010

Events all around the nation will mark Australia’s fifth annual Reusable Nappy Week (RNW), from October 11-17, 2010. This year’s theme is environment, highlighting how the use of reusable nappies can reduce your baby’s environmental impact.

In 2009, Australian babies used 2.1 billion nappies — a staggering 5.6 million per day, according to market researcher IBISWorld . RNW Coordinator and mother of two, Kira Jessup, had this to add “This number is only going to increase with time and our landfill spaces, particularly within major metropolitan areas, is decreasing”.

“But landfill alone isn’t the only environmental impact a disposable nappy has. When you look at a life cycle of a nappy, from the raw material, through the manufacturing process to final product, use and disposal, disposables nappies can have almost twice the environmental impact of reusable nappies used in the home and over two and a half times that of service laundered nappies ” Ms Jessup said.

Modern reusable nappies do not require soaking, folding or pins, and are often made from sustainable, highly absorbent fabrics like bamboo and hemp. Waterproof outers can be made from polar fleece or polyurethane laminate, which are far more breathable alternatives to old-fashioned PVC pilchers.

RNW 2010 events will include casual get-togethers, nappy displays, information sessions and sewing workshops. To keep up to date with events happening in your local area, visit http://nappynetwork.org.au/content/rnw-events

RNW is organised by the Australian Nappy Network, a non-profit volunteer organisation promoting the use of reusable nappies in Australia.

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MEDIA BACKGROUNDER

Reusable Nappy Week, October 11-17, 2010 and the Australian Nappy Network

-          Reusable Nappy Week (RNW) 2010 is the fifth instalment of this annual event.

-          The Australian Nappy Network (ANN) was established in 2006 to educate the Australian community on the health, environmental and financial benefits of using reusable cloth nappies.

-          Reusable nappies come in four main styles:

• All-in-one or all-in-two nappies, which include absorbent fabrics and a waterproof outer.  Parts may separate for faster drying.
• Pocket nappies, which consist of an inner fabric – usually a stay-dry synthetic – and a waterproof outer, with an opening. Absorbent fabric is inserted into the pocket opening.
• Fitted nappies, which are shaped and elasticated, but need a waterproof cover.
• Flat or prefold nappies, which need to be folded and used with a waterproof cover.

-          Modern reusable nappies are made from fabrics like hemp, bamboo, microfiber and polyurethane laminate in place of cotton and PVC. They fasten with velcro or press-studs and are easy to launder.

-          A basic reusable nappy system can cost as little as $250, with a typical premium system costing around $850. Single use nappies will cost around $2000 for two and a half years per child.

-          In 2009, Australian babies used 2.1 billion nappies — a staggering 5.6 million per day, according to market researcher IBISWorld (from KCA media release http://www.kca.com.au/news/news66.html

-          Information on the Environmental Impact of Disposable Nappies and Home and Service Laundered Nappies from the Womens Environment Network (WEN) UK, Independent Study performed by Best Foot Forward, 1998 http://www.wen.org.uk/general_pages/Newsitems/pr_asa.htm

-          ANN website: www.nappynetwork.org.au

To arrange an interview, photo call or for further information please contact your state coordinator through our contact form here.