Council carrot to use reusable nappies (From Swindon Advertiser)

Council carrot to use reusable nappies

3:34pm Wednesday 21st March 2007

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A PARENT group in Swindon is celebrating the launch of a cashback scheme for people who buy washable nappies.

Swindon Council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust have announced that from April 1 people will be able to claim up to £30 for each baby when they buy reusable nappies.

Parents and childminders across the town will be able to take up the offer.

Abigail Gilby, of Swindon Real Nappy Network, is delighted with the news.

The 27-year-old mum, from Highworth, said: "This is fantastic and represents a major boost for our campaign.

"We have been saying for months that there are real advantages to reusable nappies and now people will have an incentive to make the switch."

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is running the scheme to convince parents that washable nappies are not as time-consuming as they sound.

"Gone are the days of boil washing and steaming buckets of smelly nappies," said Kate Robinson, the trust's new real nappy officer, whose post is funded by Swindon Council.

"Today's nappies are lightweight, quick-drying and washable at low temperatures.

"There are also many fashionable designs with velcro fastenings instead of pins.

"While you're snuggling your baby in soft, healthy fabrics, you will also be helping to save more than half a tonne of waste going to landfill."

Abigail said: "The £30 offer has been there for the rest of Wiltshire so it's great to see that Swindon has caught up.

"When we first promoted the campaign I think the council doubted the strength of our message, but now they can see how committed we are."

SRNN has promoted its campaign in recent months by building a mountain of disposable nappies in Highworth and offering a month's supply of reusables to the mothers of newborns at Great Western Hospital.

Abigail said: "If you put a baby in shaped reusable nappies they can be kitted out from birth to potty for £200, so the £30 is not a small figure.

"We just hope people will give it a try and so reduce the number of disposable nappies we put in landfill."

For a free voucher contact Jacky Thomas on 01380 725670 extension 236, or email nappies@wiltshirewildlife.org.

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