Updated information from dcarbon8 about Ziga’s nappies for those of you who want to follow

Summary of Study by dcarbon8

To ensure that informed decisions are made right from the start, Planet Positive/Dcarbon8 is determining which is the most carbon efficient nappy for Ziga.

The information that has been used is taken from two studies by the Environment Agency in 2003 and 2008, and calculations made by the Women’s Action Network for reusable and disposable nappies.

Initial studies by the EA showed little difference between the disposable and reusable nappies. However, this was questioned and shown to be unrepresentative by WEN, as the majority of carbon emissions from reusable nappies were a resultant of the laundering energy. Less efficient machines, and increases in tumble drying would create greater emissions.

The EA released an updated study in 2008 which focuses largely on different washing/drying options. This showed that by using the most effective methods of laundering, CO₂e emissions can be reduced by 40%. In addition steps by disposable nappy manufacturers had been taken to reduce the overall material usage and emissions.

Below is a summarised table of the options:

Nappy Type	CO2e per nappy	Number of nappies for 2.5 years	CO2­e over 2.5years
Disposable	0.154	3744	576
Reusable with average laundering	18.96	30	569
Reusable with high efficient combination	11.41	30	342

 Someone from GreenParenting has agreed to send me some used nappies which I hope to get this week, so I will let you know how it all goes.

Guy B

22.02.09

Tags: nappies, planet positive baby, Planet Ziga

Posted on Monday, February 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm