Real Nappy Week 2009

Parents Combat the Credit Crunch with Cloth Nappies
Today marks the beginning of International Real Nappy Week 2009. The message across the globe confirms many times over just much money parents can save by using cloth nappies.
The New Zealand Nappy Alliance (www.nzna.org.nz) has calculated that parents using reusable nappies can save up to $5000.
“Families who invest in modern cloth nappies could have an extra $30 - $50 per week to spend on groceries, pay off debt or spend time doing things with their family” says Kate Meads Spokesperson for the NZNA. “Disposable nappies are generally purchased alongside household groceries, so many parents may not realize exactly how much nappies are costing them long term.”
Nappy Alliance members encourage kiwi mums to lay-by their nappies while they are pregnant. Over nine months (40 weeks on average) the cost of paying off a full time cloth nappy pack may cost around $22 per week which is far less than leading disposable nappy brands which could be up to $50 per week for approximately 130 weeks after the baby is born.
“I started using cloth nappies on my second child because we simply could not afford to buy disposables every week. My cloth nappies are so easy to use; I only wish these had been around when I had my first....I cringe at the amount of money I could have saved!” Says Rebecca, mum to two girls Ella (5yrs) and Maddison (6 months), “I don’t need to soak, use pins or fold my nappies like most people assume. Best of all I will sell them on Trade me when I am finished and get money back for them, what a bargain”
Real Nappy Week provides kiwi parents with the opportunity to find out all about washable nappies and their numerous benefits. Along with all of the obvious financial benefits, parents are attracted to the environmental benefits as well. A recent government study in the UK compared cloth nappies to disposables, and found that if used correctly, cloth nappies can be up to 40% better for the environment.
“It makes far more sense for parents to deposit cloth nappies into their washing machine and their money into the bank instead of a landfill”, suggests Kate
For further information about Real Nappy Week, images, samples or interviews, contact NZNA Spokesperson Kate Meads (027) 22 11 242 or kate@nappydays.co.nz
Nappy Facts:
o The New Zealand Nappy Alliance provides support and advice to parents, manufacturers, and health and childcare professionals on choosing and using washable nappies. The Alliance campaign aims to educate people on the cost savings of cloth nappies and the environmental benefits that cloth nappies bring.
o Parents can save over $5000 by using real nappies over leading disposable brands, more if they are used on subsequent children.
o Three billion nappies a year, eight million a day - are thrown away in the UK. They are estimated to weigh 690,000 tonnes and 90% end up in landfill. In New Zealand it has been estimated that there are approximately one million disposables going to landfill every day
o A recent Government report stated that real nappies are 40% better for the environment than disposables when simple washing guidelines are followed