Comparing Cloth Diapers
& Disposable Diapers
What is better for the environment, cloth diapers or disposables?
Aaah, the million-dollar question. I just finished speaking to a group of mothers at a Mommy and Me week at the Greenhouse Spa in Arlington, Texas, and this was the question of the night. In fact, it’s always the question of the night and, to be quite frank, there is not a perfect answer. Many of the eco options available today, from hybrid cars to carbon offsets, are not the answer, but a better answer, and diapers are no different. The debate between which type of diaper causes less ecological impact – cloth or disposable – rages on.
DISPOSABLE
Nature Babycare
Invented by a Swedish mom, these nappies are taking the US by storm. They work fantastically, but what is most remarkable is what they don’t contain: chlorine-free absorbent materials so they don’t contribute to dioxin pollution, no oil based plastic, 100% compostable consumer packaging, no latex, fragrance, or TBT (tributylin). The corn-based material is also quite comfy for baby and biodegrades so well that we can’t recommend them wholeheartedly for overnight, but they are a great way to be more eco-conscious during the day.
Seventh Generation
These diapers are chorine free, which reduces dioxins, and the gel they use is non-toxic rather than carcinogenic like the moisture absorbers in some traditional brands. These look and feel similar to regular disposables, except they’re beige, undecorated, and unscented. They also work well for all ages and are a favorite of many new EcoMoms.
Tushies
Tushies use chlorine-free woodpulp and rely on a natural-blend cotton padding to keep your baby dry, so they’re much thicker than your average disposable but still fit comfortably. Plus, they contain no latex, no perfume, no dye, no TBT, and no GMO.
gDiapers
These are a new option revolutionizing the diaper industry, a hybrid between cloth and disposable. With a colorful cloth cover and snap-in liner that can be washed, and with inserts that are flushed down the toilet, the gDiaper is growing in popularity – and looks really cute. Not so good for newborn blowouts (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, you will soon) but are very reliable and easy after about four months. The ingredients are almost all natural but do include super-absorbent polymers, or SAP – which most disposable diapers use as well – to increase the amount of liquid that the diaper can hold. SAP has been linked to toxic shock syndrome (through tampons) and some parents are concerned about its use in diapers, but studies have revealed no adverse health effects from exposure outside the body. Also, some waste system managers have told us that the inserts do not break down well within their pipes, so check with your local waste management district to get their feedback.
Overall, we are excited about gDiapers because they send no material to the landfill, use no elemental chlorine or plastics, and require much less washing (therefore, less water and energy usage) than regular cloth diapers.
CLOTH
If you choose to go with cloth, lessen your environmental impact by doing a pre-rinse, holding out to combine diaper loads, using warm water instead of hot, and opting for non-toxic detergents (adding a dash of baking soda,
borax, or hydrogen peroxide helps get whites white). Cloth can also save up to $700 per child, assuming they’re in diapers until about 2 ½. However, traditional cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed of crops, so choosing organic is really important for your baby’s health, the health of the cotton farmers, and our environment.
Under the Nile
Under the Nile is a favorite, made with hand-picked, organically grown, unbleached Egyptian cotton. And they have simple closures too.
Ecobaby Absorb-it-all
These diapers are so cute you won’t want to cover them up. They come in soft cotton in pink, blue, heart print, mint, seafoam, buttercup, or natural – and have a great fit too.
See also: Which Diapers are Better for the Planet?
