Launch of Real Nappies for London

TV presenter and eco-expert Penney Poyzer officially launched Real Nappies for London (see picture).

London CRN is working with the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) to deliver the Real Nappies for London (RNfL) incentive scheme. Currently, thirteen local authorities across London are signed up to the scheme and more aim to join later.

The scheme encourages parents to use "real", or washable, nappies to reduce nappy waste going to landfill.

• a voucher to exchange for real nappies and accessories or a trial period with a nappy laundry service,
• an information helpline,
• and local activities.

Background & Benefits:

90,000 tonnes of disposable nappy waste is generated each year in London. Benefits of increasing real nappies include:

• a reduction of waste;
• a reduction in costs to parents of up to £500 or more per baby;
• Increased awareness of environmental issues, especially waste;
• Raising health awareness and opportunities for health information dissemination;
• Community engagement activities (through real nappy education);
• Building volunteer involvement (real nappy networks, community advocacy);
• Opportunities for community enterprise development (nappy services, retailers and second hand nappy exchanges).

Kevin Crook, Waste Policy & Development Manager for Tower Hamlets council, is a real nappy using dad who attended the launch with his 14-month-old daughter, Hazel. He said:

"When we started out [using real nappies] 11 years ago it was a really specialised market. What has been great to see is the huge increase in choice of real nappies. Now, with Real Nappies for London, it's going to be so easy for parents to get advice and information about real nappies."

Elizabeth Povey of Hackney, whose nine-month-old daughter Chia Cyan was sporting a leopardskin nappy on the day of the launch said:

"I didn't really want to use them at first but I thought I'd give them a go because my friend had told me about the chemicals in disposables. Now I would recommend them to other parents; they don't rub on her legs, they're much more comfy on her and they're easier to use than I thought."

Mary Anne Finkelstein is currently working as the Real Nappies for London Coordinator at the London CRN offices. If you are interested in joining the scheme as a Local Authority or retailer, wish to apply for a Real Nappy voucher or would like to find out more about the scheme please contact Mary Anne on 020 7324 4709 or alternatively on nappies@lcrn.org.uk