Reusable nappies were highlighted during the recent C4 climate change debate when Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price pledged to use reusables for his own family in the future.
In a move welcomed by the trade association for the UK’s reusable nappy industry, The Nappy Alliance, the commitment was made during Thursday’s Channel 4 Climate Change Debate. As part of the conversation, the debate reflected the growing cross-party recognition of the impact disposable nappies have on the environment as well as the desire to promote the benefits of reusable nappies.
As part of the debate, leaders commented on the Nappies (Environmental Standards) Bill which was tabled by the SNP MP David Linden during the course of the last Parliament, while the Labour Shadow Minister for Waste and Recycling Sandy Martin called for reusable nappies to form part of government waste strategy.
“This initiative is a tremendous idea and mustn’t be overlooked. The UK throws away three billion nappies a year, this is a huge issue and contributes to our waste crisis,” said Adam Price. “I welcome this alternative and urge all parents to consider using reusable nappies.”
David Linden, former MP and SNP candidate for Glasgow East, said: “The growing support across the parties for reusable nappies is very encouraging… After the election I will continue to call for government action on this important issue.”
“We welcome the very public commitment to using reusable nappies by the Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price in last night’s Channel Four Climate Change Debate and the support we have received from politicians across all parties in recent months,” commented
Guy Schanschieff, chair of the Nappy Alliance. “Reusable nappies have increased in popularity in recent years but there is much more that can be done.”
The UK throws away nearly eight million disposable nappies each day, costing local authorities over £60 million each year and taking over 300 years to breakdown in landfill.
