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Environment Save Money Styles Use & Care
Why should I go to cloth diapers?
Reusable diapers are an economical and environmental approach to diapering.
Research shows that you can save a lot of money, especially if you are planning
to have more than one child. Initially the upfront cost can seem high, but if
you calculate it out, you will save thousands. According to Mothering magazine,
the average child goes through 8,000 diaper changes before being potty-trained.
If you estimate the average disposable diaper costs around 25 cents, then you
will have spent around $2000. Here’s an analysis of the cost breakdown:
8000 diaper changes per child x $.25 per diaper = $2000
Cloth Diapers: $13 per cloth diaper x 24 diapers = $312
Covers: $13 per cover x 12 = $156
Total for diapers and covers for the next 8000 diaper changes = $467
That’s a savings of over $1500. If you have more than one child, that’s a
savings of $3000 or more.
What are the environmental impacts of cloth
diapers versus disposable diapers?
1. Disposable diapers use 2x as much water as cotton diapers.
2. Disposable diapers use 3x as much energy as cotton diapers.
3. Disposable diapers generate 60x more solid waste than cotton diapers.
4. Disposable diapers use 20x as much raw materials as cotton diapers
5. 1 billion trees per year are destroyed to make disposable
diapers---approximately 4.5 for each baby who uses them
6. It takes between 200-500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose.
7. Disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills,
and represent 30% of non-biodegradable waste
8. 1 ton of garbage is created for each baby who uses disposable diapers
9. 1 cup of crude oil is used for the plastic in 1 disposable diaper
10. 18 billion disposable diapers are used in the U.S. each year enough to
stretch to the moon and back 9 times
The sources for the facts listed above are the following: Sierra Club,
Californians Against Waste, Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Agency,
Lehrberguer Report on the Impact of Diapers on the Environment, Greenpeace,
Environmental Defense Fund, Center for Policy Alternatives, and
www.diaperaps.com/home/dp1/environment_main.html
What is the most economical approach to cloth
diapers?
My experience has shown me that the best cloth diapers are the ones that grow
with your baby. In other words, the one size fits all approach is great. I’ve
tried different diapers and the ones that I prefer are the diaper with a cover
approach found with Wickeez. I like that they are soft, come in renewable
material (bamboo), wash easily with foldable tabs, and are a one size diaper so
I only have to make an initial diaper purchase. Another option that is very cost
effective is to buy used diapers. Some local children consignment stores will
sell cloth diapers. Another resource is
http://www.craigslist.org
where you can do a search in your area. I also like
www.babycottonbottoms.com because they have a bargain basement where you can
find second hand diapers. Last, you can make your own. A great reference is
www.diapersewing.com
or www.diaperkit.com. A
handy calculator will also help you determine the overall cost. You can go to
www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp to figure out the overall cost
of using cloth (which includes associated energy cost and cleaning) versus using
disposable diapers.
What are the different types or styles of cloth diapers?
Basically you have two options: diapers that require a waterproof cover and all
in one (AIO) which have the cover sewn on to the diaper. To read about the
different diaper options and review the styles, go to
www.clothdiaperinginfo.org.
How do I wash my cloth diapers?
See video
*reference your cloth diaper sources web site for their recommended washing
instructions!
One trick that I find is helpful is to line your cloth diapers with a flushable
liner that you can dispose off when the stool hits the diaper. I found the
toddler flushable wipes to work just great. You can find them at any store. If
you are concerned about the perfumes, wash them with normal water. I leave the
wipes open so that they dry out completely. I keep a pack next to my changing
table and then I’ll include one in the diaper when I know he’s ready for his
daily doody.
How do I set-up my cloth diaper station?
Quick Shopping List:
-Changing pad with safety strap
-Double sided rug tape (if using a dresser for your pad)
-a trash can with a lid (consider 2 if you want to wash your covers and diapers
separately)
-a liner for the trash can
-a 3 drawer cart
-container for your wipes
-cloth wipes (reusable wash clothes)
-Portable mini trash can
-Toddler wipes
Play the video below to see my cloth diapering setup: