This is clearly a sensitive subject. To counter the allegations that are floating around about cloth diapers being just as bad for the environment as disposables Cotton Babies (makers of Bum Genius) sent out this email.
April 21, 2009
So, I learned something new recently. According to a recent UK study, we can lower the carbon (ie: environmental) impact of using cloth diapers to 40% less (!) than the carbon impact of using disposable diapers.
You can. Here’s how:
1. Wash cloth diapers in temperatures under 140 F / 60 C.
2. Line dry cloth diapers.
3. Use your diapers for a second child.If you need to know what carbon impact is… here’s a quick primer:
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that affects the ozone layer. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions helps address global warming issues. The goal is to lower the level of CO2 (carbon dioxide) that you produce during your daily activities. Some ways to do this might be driving shorter distances, using a hybrid, walking, controlling your overall energy use, etc. If you want to learn more, its helpful to watch Al Gore’s documentary called An Inconvenient Truth.You get to choose.
Interestingly, as cloth diapering parents, we have the ability to choose the carbon impact of our diapering system. If we use disposable diapers, somebody has already made that choice for us.Why…
There is some misinformation about this issue floating around the news right now – and we thought you’d want to know the truth.That’s all. Have a great week! 🙂
Kindest regards,Jenn, Owner
Cotton Babies, Inc.
http://www.cottonbabies.com
Twittering as @cottonbabies, @bumgenius
Yes, Cloth can use energy, water, and create waste. But there are ways to lessen that too. I think this email sums it up nicely.
