Did
you know, one disposable
diaper
takes several hundred years to decompose. Even then the diaper never
fully decomposes. Disposable diapers take up space in landfills and
create environmental issues beyond control. Environmental activists
have switched to using cloth diapers for their babies. There are many
benefits to using cloth diapers. Aside from being environmentally
friendly, they also offer many money-saving and health benefits.
Never throw a disposable
diaper
in the trash again. Switch to using cloth diapers and experience the
benefits for yourself. You, your baby and the Earth will be glad you
did.
The
Environment
There
is some debate over the impact of disposable diapers versus cloth
diapers on the environment. Those who are pro disposable
diaper
use say the extra water and energy used to wash cloth diapers is just
as much of an abuse to the environment as the production and disposal
of disposable diapers. However, the facts don't lie. Statistics have
proven disposable diapers are more harmful to the environment than
cloth diapers. Here are the numbers:
600
years go by before a disposable
diaper
begins to decompose
80,000
pounds of plastic a year is used to produce disposable diapers
200,000
trees or more are cut down each year to manufacture disposable
diapers
5
million tons of untreated waste are piled into landfills annually
2
billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are also added to
the pile
These
statistics are for American babies alone. The environmental risks of
throwing disposable diapers into landfills include, overfilled
landfills, water contamination, air pollution and the diminishing of
trees and other natural resources due to the production process.
Fewer resources are used when parents practice a cloth diapering
system. One cloth diaper is reusable for many years whereas a
disposable
diaper
can only be used once. This cuts down on the amount of plastic and
waste thrown into landfills.
Healthier
Babies
The
greatest concern for parents is keeping their baby healthy. Being
diligent about changing your baby's diaper keeps your baby's skin dry
and free from diaper rash. A disposable
diaper
traps in moisture making your baby prone to rashes and chaffing. The
plastics and chemicals used to manufacture disposable baby diapers
cause irritation and allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are
harmful and even deadly. Studies show 54 percent of one month old
babies suffer from diaper rash caused by wearing a disposable
diaper.
Cloth diapers help relieve and prevent diaper rash. Comfortable
cottons and other breathable fabrics keep baby's skin dry and cool.
Diaper
Expenses
Though
cloth diapers may seem expensive to start, they offer money-saving
benefits in the long run. Cloth diapers are a one time fee and can be
used by other babies. A disposable
diaper
is only worn once. After the baby has worn the diaper, it gets thrown
away. You'll spend nearly $3,000 on disposable diapers from the time
your baby is born to the time they are potty trained. Cloth Diapering
costs less than half of the expense of using a disposable
diaper
over time. |
