WHY CHOOSE CLOTH DIAPERS?
Waste Reduction
During the first two years of a child’s life, about 900 kg of disposable diapers are thrown away, and they can take up to 500 years to decompose. A family that chooses reusable diapers can reduce waste by up to 99% compared to a family using disposable diapers.
If only 20% of children in the EU who currently use disposable diapers switched to reusable ones, the amount of waste in Europe would decrease by 1 million tons per year (from 6.7 to 5.4 million tons).
Reusable diapers can also be used again: they can be used by another child – a family member, a friend, or even resold.
CO₂ Emissions
The production of disposable diapers for a child up to 2.5 years old generates a significant carbon footprint. Switching to reusable diapers can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 40–50%, or about 200 kg of CO₂.
This efficiency is achieved by following these practices:
Wash diapers in a full load.
Wash at a temperature no higher than 40°C.
Avoid using a dryer (if a dryer is used, the CO₂ footprint is reduced to 20–35%).
Resource Use
Producing disposable diapers requires 7–20 times more agricultural raw materials and three times more energy than producing reusable diapers.
Financial Aspect
Disposable diapers are one of the largest expenses during the first years of a child’s life. Using reusable diapers can save approximately €2,000 (including washing and drying costs) compared to using disposable diapers.
The savings are even greater if reusable diapers are used by siblings or purchased second-hand.
Health
Chemicals: Reusable diapers generally do not contain dyes, fragrances, glues, or synthetic absorbents that could irritate sensitive baby skin or cause allergies.
Rashes: Breathable reusable diapers significantly reduce the risk of skin irritation compared to disposable diapers.
Airflow: Reusable diapers are often more breathable, reducing moisture and heat buildup, which can help lower the risk of rashes.
Sensitive Skin: Reusable diapers are an excellent choice for children with sensitive skin or a tendency toward eczema.
Source: Larissa Copello, Consumption & Production Campaigner, Zero Waste Europe. Brussels, April 2021.