Are Biodegradable Diapers Really Biodegradable?
Saturday, November 28th, 2009 at
5:22 am
I’m trying to be green with my baby and unfortunately can’t use cloth diapers for daycare. I was thinking of using biodegradable diapers but I read somewhere that they don’t actually break down under landfill conditions. Is this true? I’m currently using Seventh Generation diapers which are at least clorine free, but I’d like to know if I could do more.
Tagged with: Biodegradable • Diapers • Really
Filed under: Free Baby Stuff
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congrats on being environmentally friendly in as many ways possible!
I’m in the uk but did a search for diapers in usa and found this info for you:
A biodegradable diaper is just as effective as a conventional one. However, it uses materials that are designed to break down quickly in the right environment, and is also usually made without chemicals and from postconsumer material. Many come in the form of a washable cloth outer layer with inserts that snap in: all are designed to be comfortable, ecologically sound, and easy to use. However, just using biodegradable diapers does not solve the problem of what to do with them in the end.
Throwing biodegradable diapers away sends them to the landfill, just like regular disposables, and they take longer to break down in the landfill than they would normally. For this reason, many companies have developed flushable biodegradable diapers, or recommend composting or vermicomposting their products to break them down quickly. The resulting compost should not be used on plants grown for food, but is suitable for flowers and other decorative plants. In some areas where commercial garbage collection includes composting, you may be able to discard biodegradable diapers in the compost, but you should check with the trash collection agency first.
Cloth diapers should also be considered: some parents use biodegradable diapers when they travel, and cloth ones at home. Cloth diapers do consume resources such as water for laundering, but are still viewed as a better environmental choice than traditional disposables or biodegradable diapers. By using unbleached cloth diapers and hypoallergenic detergents, you can also minimize the chemicals that your young child is exposed to, and keep his or her skin healthier and less irritated. When cloth diapers are not an option, biodegradable ones are a good second choice.
hope that helps. website below
It”s what’s in them that’s degradable….lol.