|
Cost Benefits of Using Cloth
There is certainly no denying that there is a huge cost difference between using cloth nappies and using disposables. But just how much can you save over 3.5 years just by using cloth nappies?
| Disposables* |
|
|
70 disposable nappies per week for 3 months )
49 disposable nappies per week for 9 months )
35 disposable nappies per week for 1.5 years )
Total nappies until 2.5 years of age - 5,530 @ average cost of 37.4c each
21 pull-up nappies per week for 1 year @ average cost of 98c each
Disposable wipes & nappy bags for 2.5 years
Total |
$2069
$1070
$ 470
$3609 |
|
Green Kids nappies** (from newborn to toilet training, washing every 2 days) |
|
|
24 Green Kids Anytimes one size nappies with 24 bamboo inserts +
6 microfibre inserts for night-times
Washing costs (over 2.5 years)
10 bamboo wipes
Total |
$ 738
$ 250
$ 40
$1028 |
The above calculations are averages only and may vary according to your baby & your particular circumstances!
That is a huge saving of $2581!!
This is based on having one child in Green Kids nappies. If you re-use the nappies on your next child, the saving will be even greater! Imagine all the other things you and your family could spend that extra money on!
So hold on to your hard earned money, and start using Green Kids nappies today!
To calculate the actual number of nappies you may need depending on your babies age, and how often you wish to wash, please see Getting Started.
Environmental Benefits of Using Cloth Nappies
Cloth nappies have the major environmental benefit of greatly reducing amount of rubbish going into landfill. Disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to decompose!
This means, that ALL disposables that have EVER been used, still exist today in landfill. That is a lot of nappies!
Another major environmental benefit of cloth nappies is that they are reusable, and therefore minimize the amount of valuable natural resources that are wasted on disposable nappies.
It takes 1 of cup crude oil to make just 1 disposable nappy!
At Green Kids, we realise that there are environmental impacts evident for both types of nappy systems, as with most things we do. The main impacts of disposables occur in the production and disposal phases, while cloth impacts occur in the washing stage.
That is why we at Green Kids have worked hard to bring you modern cloth nappies, which have eliminated or greatly reduced most of the impacts of using cloth. There is no longer a need to use throwaway liners, bleach or fabric softener, and you only need to use a third to a half of the recommended amount of washing powder! As well as this, our unique ‘one size’ design means you only have to buy one full set of nappies, rather than buying a full set of nappies in various sizes, saving more precious resources!
Unfortunately for disposable nappy makers, their job is harder, as there is less they can do to combat the huge amount of resources being used to make the nappies, and the enormous amount of waste being produced.
What you can do at home
If you follow the care instructions recommended for Green Kids nappies, you will be having minimal environmental impact. But, there are still other things you can do at home to even further reduce your impact on the environment:
- If possible, use a front loading or AAA rated washing machine, as these use far less water.
- Hang your nappies out to dry on the line where possible, rather than using the dryer. This not only reduces energy use, but also assists in sanitizing the nappies.
- Wait until you have a full load, or wash every 2 days, rather than once a day. This reduces the amount of water, energy and washing powder you need to use.
- Use environmentally friendly washing powders. Ones with low phosphorus levels are better for the environment.
- If finances permit, install a solar hot water system. This will save energy by making the most of the natural energy provided by the sun.
So please rest assured that your choice to use cloth nappies for your baby will not only look after your baby’s health and save you money, but will also be looking after the environment, and ensuring a better world for your children.
*Disposable cost calculations are based on using a premium quality brand of disposable nappies, with nappy sizes of 4-8kg for the first 3 months (@30c per nappy), 6-11kg size from 3-12 months (@37c per nappy), and 10-15kg size from age 12 months until 2 1/2 years (@40c per nappy). These weight ranges are based on the average weight in kg from age tables in the Health West Child Health record book. Wipes are based on using one premium quality wipe on average per nappy change (@7c each and nappy bags are based on 1 bag for every 2 nappies (@3c each for 2.5 years.
**Cloth nappy washing power costs are based on using a top loading machine (1100W), washing every second day with an overall cycle time or appriximately 1 hour (obtained from the Synergy website (http://synergy.marketunited.com/calculate.php) which was calculated at 24c per wash. Water calculation are based on a 5kg top load washing machine which uses 108L per rinse and wash cycle, and water costing 98.2c per 1000L (approx 11c per wash). Washing powder costs are calculated using Rockin' Green powder at $4.95 for 90 washes = 17c per wash. This gives a total per wash cost of 52c, with an average of 3.5 washes per week over 2 1/2 years (455 washes). The total amount of $236 has been rounded up to $250 to take into account variations in washing machines and washing liquid/powder used.
Copyright Green Kids 2012. This information has been researched and written for Green Kids. Please do not copy or reproduce this document in any form. You may of course, link to our website, if you would like this information to be made known.
|
