Green nappy plan is given approval (From Swindon Advertiser)

Green nappy plan is given approval

10:00pm Thursday 20th November 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)

COUNCIL members have supported plans for a reusable nappy service in Swindon.

A laundry service costing parents £1 per day would see the collection of dirty nappies from parents in return for clean ones.

The scheme would also offer parents equipment kits to clean the green nappies themselves.

It is hoped the take-up would rise from 150 children already using reusable nappies in Swindon to 40 per cent of all kids in the borough by 2013.

The new proposals are recommended by the council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

“It is very positive council members are showing they understand the principles involved in the scheme,” said Richard Fisher, the council’s waste and street scene manager.

“It will take time to get the message out there to people but with work, time and effort this will make a difference.

“It would have many benefits - both environmentally and economically by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill sites and saving that expense.”

The council estimates up to 3,743 tonnes of waste could be diverted from landfill.

That would calculate a saving of more than £215,000.

At present the council operates a voucher scheme to reward users of real nappies, but the new proposals would replace it with investment in providing rentable equipment and researching reusable products for child and adult incontinence sufferers.

The nappy laundry would be set up on a not-for-profit basis and an organisation has already been approached to provide the service to householders, organisations and Swindon Primary Care Trust.

Vanessa Emanuel, of Swindon Real Nappy Network said: “The nappies don’t have to be boiled any more and they can be washed at 30 degrees.

“The laundry service would wash nappies to a very high standard.”

Speaking at Wednesday night’s economic, environmental and sustainability meeting, councillor Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) said: “It’s a fascinating concept. I’m not sure if Swindon is a nappy haven but this is a good idea.”

A final decision will be put before a cabinet meeting at the Civic Offices next year.

Swindon's Real Nappy Network provides trial kits to parents and supports them in learning how to use them.

Anyone who wants more information or would like to volunteer can ring 01793 815013 or visit www.swindonrealnappynetwork.org.uk.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)