Every July, millions of people worldwide take part in Plastic Free July—a global movement to reduce single-use plastics and promote more sustainable living. For parents, this is the perfect time to rethink everyday baby essentials. One of the biggest opportunities to cut plastic waste? Nappies.
🚫 The Problem With Disposable Nappies
Disposable nappies are convenient—but the environmental cost is staggering. On average, one baby will use between 4,000–6,000 disposable nappies before potty training. That’s equivalent to around 1 tonne of landfill waste per child.
Each disposable nappy contains plastic components—such as polyethylene and polypropylene—that can take up to 500 years to break down. In the UK, it’s estimated that over 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every day, contributing significantly to landfill waste and long-term environmental damage.
Now imagine replacing that waste with a reusable option…
✅ The Reusable Alternative: Cloth Nappies
Modern cloth nappies are a stylish, eco-conscious alternative that help parents significantly reduce their plastic footprint. On average, just 20–30 reusable nappies can be enough to see your baby through to toilet training—saving thousands of disposables from landfill.
Here’s what you’re saving by switching to reusables:
- Over 1 tonne of waste per child
- Up to 150 kg of plastic waste
- Thousands of pounds over your baby’s nappy-wearing years
Many modern cloth nappies are made with natural fibres like bamboo, cotton, or hemp and are free from the chemical gels and synthetic linings found in disposables.
👶 Go Beyond Nappies: Reusable Baby Accessories
Cloth nappies are just the start. Other reusable baby products that reduce single-use plastics include:
- Reusable wipes – Made from soft fabric, perfect for delicate skin
- Wet bags – Waterproof and washable, ideal for storing used nappies or swim gear
- Cloth breast pads – A sustainable choice for nursing mums
- Change mats and liners – Reusable options that reduce disposable change pad waste
Each of these small swaps helps reduce the demand for plastic-heavy, single-use items—and they save money in the long run too.
🌱 Baby Steps Add Up
Taking part in Plastic Free July doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. Choosing reusable nappies and baby accessories is a powerful first step. Whether you're new to cloth or already using reusables part-time, every nappy saved from landfill counts.
Ready to make a change? Explore our full range of eco-friendly cloth nappies and reusable baby products to kick off your plastic-free parenting journey.