Co-ordinated by the Real Nappy Campaign, the promotion, which runs until April 27, aims to encourage the use of reusable cloth nappies, with a series of events being held across the country.
With an estimated three billion disposable nappies being thrown away in the UK every year, this year's initiative is focussed on persuading parents that using real nappies can help combat climate change.
Sally Gordon, spokesperson for the campaign, said: “We are delighted to be able to reassure parents that by using washable nappies in the recommended way they can reduce their impact on global warming and energy use as we are aware that these are key issues for families.”
“In addition, Real Nappy Week give us the opportunity to promote the additional benefits of real nappies including their cost savings, natural fabrics and the choice they represent for parents,” she added.
Funding
Last year, the government-backed Waste and Resources Action Programme ended its financial support for real nappy promotion via the Women's Environmental Network, leading to concerns that the 2007 Real Nappy Week would be the last (see letsrecycle.com story).
However, this year's event has gone ahead, with the not-for-profit Real Nappy Campaign being administered by Cornish-based organisation ReZolve Kernow.
The organisers claim that hundreds of events are being held across the country, including fashion shows, 'nappucino' coffee mornings and teddy toddles, with support from retailers including John Lewis and Mothercare.
Councils
A number of local councils nationwide are also staging events as part of the week, including Leeds city council, which is using the occasion as an opportunity to re-launch its incentive scheme, operated in conjunction with local company Nappies-Direct, that offers either cash back or a free trial pack of real nappies to parents who buy real nappy products.
Councillor Steve Smith, the authority's executive member responsible for environmental services, said: “I hope parents are encouraged to attend one of the events or take up our offer to try out the free real nappy trial.
“It's a great way to reduce waste which would otherwise end up in landfill and to help safeguard the environment for our children's future. I urge families to have a go and see how they can save money and the environment.”
Bedfordshire county council is also backing the week, with children's centres across the county hosting special awareness programmes for parents of young children, as well as 'nappucino' mornings being held to show parents how to fit real nappies.
Abby Gosling, a children's centre team leader with the council, said: “It's really easy to use modern real nappies – they're just like disposables but you can wash them and use them again and again.
“But the best thing is that parents can save money by using them, and can reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill too.”
In 2006, the Real Nappy Week was supported by 90% of local councils, with more than 600 events taking place nationwide.
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