The Great Diaper Debate
New parents are inundated with new decisions, often on topics that have never before crossed their minds; bottle or breast? paci or thumb? co-sleep or crib? Of these decisions, none is more vexing than diapers. It would seem from the great diaper debate that there is simply no eco-friendly way to diaper a child. Sure, cloth diapers are reusable and therefore lighten the landfill load. However, their need for frequent washing uses both water and energy.
Independent studies over the years have consistently come to the conclusion that there is no significant difference in the environmental impact between disposables and cloth. So what’s an eco-minded parent to do? Here are the options:
One alternative to consider is a new product called gDiapers, which combines a washable cloth pant with a biodegradable and flushable insert liner. Unlike disposable diapers, they don’t use any elemental plastics or landfill space, and they require less of the water and energy used to wash standard cloth diapers. These “hybrid” diapers are good in a pinch, but they still require paper and packaging (and midnight trips to the store for refills!)
Some parents have eschewed diapers all together and turned to a method called “elimination communication” where parents learn to “read” their baby’s cues and rush them to the potty when they appear ready to go. Inevitable messes aside, this method is unquestionably better for the environment because it doesn’t require water, energy, or landfill space. However, it is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t devote your full attention to watching your baby for “cues,” save yourself and your baby some frustration and use another method.
For those who prefer a traditional diaper, cotton diapers can take the environmental edge over disposables with some energy and water saving techniques, such as line-drying, skipping the pre-soak, and washing diapers in large loads using low temperatures. And today’s parents don’t have to go old-school with pins and plastic pants. Cotton diapers are easier to use than ever before; and, let’s face it, they are just way cuter than disposables. My pick of the bunch is Fuzzi Bunz cotton diapers…they are great looking, ridiculously soft, and a snap (literally!) to use.
Cotton diapers now come in such a wide array of styles and colors, that green parents may finally be able to put an end to the great diaper think about more important things (like sleep!).
As Far as I know-Fuzzi Bunz are not cotton diapers but synthetic material-they are great diaprs but aren’t suitable for people with skin sensitivity to poly materials
There is no way that cloth diapers are the same environmentally as disposables. Yes, cloth use water and energy for cleaning but that is nothing compared the the literal TONS of garbage generated by disposable diapers, the pounds of human fecal matter untreated in the landfills, and the packaging and transportation costs associated with disposable diapers. Cloth diapers have a one-time manufactoring and transportation effect on the environment, and can be used by multiple children. Furthermore, by adding an additional person to the planet there is always going to be an increase in water and energy used… once this little person outgrows diapers, he/she will be flushing the toilet.
Fuzzi Bunz are SUCH a great way to help our environment!! They are also easy to use, and adorable. what more could you ask for! I feel by using Cloth diapers I am doing my part to help our earth.. too bad more parents aren’t willing to try them… they’d probably end up LOVEING them and be glad they did! I always recommend Fuzzi Bunz to soon to be parents.
I too am skepitcal about the claim that cloth and disposable diapers measure out the same especially because I line dry all my laundry. Does anyone know of a detailed caculation that includes the cost of garbage disposal, manufacturing pollution, shipping from factory to store etc etc.
A local diaper service (where I live, Tiny Tots was great! http://www.tinytots.com/), that washes all the cotton diapers together in huge loads, is much more environmentally friendly than disposables, or synthetic diapers — and much less expensive too! There should be a charity to donate diaper service to low-income parents, for whom disposables are a huge expense…
When I was a new Mom, busy and somewhat overwhelmed, I loved having their “diaper fairy” take away the dirty diapers and leave fresh ones on my porch before dawn. No pre-washing was needed, just dump any solids in the toilet.
When we traveled, I ordered a one-time diaper service delivery to be waiting at the hotel, or I brought clean with me, and took home the dirty ones for my service to wash (they’re happy to adjust delivery for vacations or whatever you need).
We used wonderful wool covers with velcro fastening (only hang to dry – never dry wool in the dryer, as it shrinks, makes it less fluffy and less absorbent). We always stayed with the smaller, infant sized diapers, folded in thirds and placed inside the cover, using 2 diapers for nighttime, and when she was bigger.
Later, as we transitioned into diapers only at night, I gave up the service, and bought diapers from them to wash at home. We NEVER used disposables once, and my baby NEVER had diaper rash. I also never used powder (bad for both our lungs!), and only used natural baby wipes, later just washcloth when needed.
Fuzzi Bunz are NOT cotton unfortunately. my life would be much easier if they were. They are fleece, which is polyester, which is PLASTIC. If you are trying to avoid plastic, these are not the answer.