Yes! When using disposable nappies you have choices that will reduce the carbon footprint of your family. A ‘hybrid' stash will ease your eco-conscience - easily!

In a moment we'll look at 3 ways of using disposable nappies in a more eco-friendly way. Over 300 thousand babies are born in Australia and New Zealand each year. Estimates suggest anything from 5 to 8 thousand nappy changes per baby! That's literally billions of single use nappies making their way to dumps across our countries. Of course you don't think about that when using a disposable nappy on your baby however we all know that this is less than optimal. But we are all busy, we don't always have the time to research our options, and your Mum said that cloth nappies are such hard work, right? How can you reduce that environmental impact of using disposable nappies, and easily?
Let's consider 3 ways to use your disposables in a more eco friendly way.

1. Pre-cycle your disposable nappies.

Pre-cycling is simply preventing excess waste coming into your home. When Using disposable nappies, the best way to do this is to buy in bulk! Bulk buying means less packaging waste, less to and fro shopping trips and the added benefit of a discount or special price.

2. Use eco friendly disposable nappies.

Yes, there are disposable nappies you can bury in your garden to turn into rich soil. There are varieties you can add to a worm farm or compost. Others have earth friendlier components. Still more can be ripped open and flushed down the toilet. What if you bought a bag of more eco friendly disposables now and then?

3. Empty wet nappies into your garden.

Simply, the guts of each nappy is a gentle fertilizer. Emptying the nappy and scratching it in, covering it with mulch actually adds the same water retaining crystals that you can buy to help drought proof your garden. Then, a fraction of the usual waste amount goes into the bin. What if you did this with one disposable nappy each day? Watch your garden grow. If you are feeling squeamish, think of all that manure or blood and bone you add to your soil, use gloves and wash your hands!

Hybridising your stash, starting with 1 modern cloth nappy.

A hybrid stash includes regular disposable nappies, eco-friendly disposable nappies, and modern cloth nappies. Just like a hybrid car, it combines old and new, mixes different types to give you the most flexibility, and best of all, the opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint. The ‘modern' cloth nappy is different. It is shaped, it has simple fastenings, it doesn't need soaking, and you have control over how big or small its environmental impact is. We have washing machines these days, too. They are simple to use. Especially if you start with just one. One ‘green' nappy...

With a hybrid stash, you can begin your baby's life on a foundation of growing sustainability.

As you discover more, all the tips and tricks, you'll naturally raise a 'lower carbon' baby. Your conscience will earn great eco karma, and you will encourage those around you to start with one green nappy too.

Here's your challenge:

If you acted on one of these ideas, which would be the best for your family? Buying your next lot of disposable nappies in bulk, grabbing a bag of eco friendly disposables each month, emptying the occasional disposable nappy under the bushes in the backyard and covering it with mulch, or looking into hybridising your nappy stash, starting with one washable, reusable, modern cloth nappy?