Members of the Nappy Alliance have voiced their support for the government’s plans to reduce waste, which were unveiled on Global Recycling Day yesterday (Thursday 18 March, 2021).
The plans set out how the Government and industry can take action across seven different sectors – construction; textiles; furniture; electrical and electronics; road vehicles; packaging, plastics and single-use items; and food. The measures aim to minimise waste and work towards a more resource effiicient economy.
Environment Nimister, Rebecca Pow, said: “We are firmly committed to ending the throwaway culture as we build back greener.
The Nappy Alliance has welcomed the plans. Guy Schanschieff MBE DL, chair of the organisation, commented: “The Nappy Alliance welcomes this important consultation and the opportunity to work with Defra regarding their recent commitment as part of the Environment Bill “to work towards reducing the environmental impact of nappies”. Whilst the government has taken great strides in tackling single-use plastic packaging, it needs to urgently address other sources of single-use plastic pollution such as nappies, of which three billion are thrown away annually in the UK, disintegrating into microplastics when landfilled or contributing to carbon emissions when incinerated.
“The best nappy for the environment, for taxpayers, and parent’s wallets is a reusable nappy, and we look forward to seeing reusable nappies promoted and encouraged via the proposed circular economy hubs and stand ready to work with any local authority looking to trial this forward-thinking approach.”
Wendy Richards, MD, The Nappy Lady, added: “Reusable nappy hire kits are now becoming so popular that we’re booked up over 6 months in advance. Our advice service has also more than doubled over the past couple of years. There are lots of reusable nappy manufacturers and retailers like mine across the country that are growing fast, and so it’s great to hear that the government are going to be supporting local councils to embrace the reuse sector and help more parents to access affordable and environmentally friendly nappies”
