London,
05
May
2008
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney parents discover real nappy benefits

Parents and carers from across Hackney enjoyed a picnic in the park to mark Real Nappy Week and found out more about switching from disposable to real cloth nappies.

The Nappy Picnic in the Park in London Fields was organised by Hackney Council and environmental charity Groundwork East London to show how easy modern cloth nappies are.

Hackney Youth Jazz Band entertained the crowds while youngsters enjoyed balloon modelling, clowns and other free entertainment.

Information was available on the Council’s Real Nappy scheme which offers a £54 voucher to parents in the borough to help get them started with cloth nappies. This money can go towards the cost of buying cloth nappies or for a nappy laundry service.

Eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK, accounting for around three per cent of the UK’s waste.

Real nappies are better for the environment and also save money – parents can save around £500 per baby if they wash the cloth nappies at home.

Cllr Alan Laing, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The benefits of using real cloth nappies are huge, not only in terms of reducing the environmental impact, but also with the financial savings that can be made.”

Sam Alexander, Senior Project Coordinator, Groundwork East London, said: “There was a fantastic turnout, and the event has really helped to emphasise the environmental and economic benefits of using real cloth nappies, an initiative that Groundwork East London is actively promoting through its Every Nappy Counts project.”

The Hackney Real Nappy Network, a group of parents using real cloth nappies, was on hand to answer questions. Co-ordinator Mary Bromfield said: “We had a steady stream of people at our stall all day. I hope this will translate into lots more cloth nappy use.”

To apply for a Real Nappy scheme voucher or for further information, call: 020 7324 4709 or visit: www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk/apply