Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers first came along in the 1960’s, but before that cloth and other reusable materials were always used for babies bottoms. The only reason disposable diapers were made is for convenience. They cost more, they are a huge burden on landfill, and the human waste is not treated in sewage facilities. So for those parents who are willing to do a little bit of extra work, reusable diapers can save money and help the planet.

Diaper Consumption

An infant will go through 3 or 4 or more diapers in a day on average. That works out to as much as 1500 per year per child. Many babies wear diapers for the first three years of their life. The number of diapers used world wide would be in the billions, if you consider that every person on the planet spent the beginning of their life in diapers.

Evidence Against Cloth Diapers?

A study that was done in the UK that suggested reusable diapers could have a higher carbon footprint than disposable diapers. Now this study was done on the premise that every diaper was washed in hot water, and put in a dryer. Most of us green minded people use cold water, and hang our wash to dry anyways.

Conclusion

Considering the cost of disposable diapers, the amount of landfill created, the materials used to manufacture and the untreated human waste the choice is clear. Any thing that is reusable is better than something you throw away. I have used cloth diapers for my three children and I urge you to do the same. It can be difficult and somewhat disgusting to use cloth diapers when you are traveling, but the less disposable diapers that make it to landfill the better off we all are.

What type of diapers do you use?