FAQs

Which nappy is the most eco friendly, disposables or cloth?

The main decider in this hot debate is the way in which the cloth nappies are laundered. Our nappy article outlines the findings from the latest research which identifies that if cloth nappies are laundered at high temperatures, in small loads and tumble dried 100% of the time then disposables would probably have lower environmental impacts. However, cloth nappies come out on top if the user follows simple eco-friendly behaviour when washing them. If you do prefer using disposables there are a number of things you can do to reduce the impact of using these aswell. Check out the table below.

 Cloth nappies
  Disposables
  • use washable liners, boosters and inserts in pocket nappies
  • washing on fuller loads
  • reusing nappies on other children.
  • line drying outside whenever possible
  • tumble drying as little as possible
  • when replacing appliances, choosing more energy efficient ones
  • not washing above 60 degrees (only soiled nappies need to be washed in hot water)
  • use an environmentally friendly washing detergent such as soapnuts (which also leave no residue on the nappies)
  • avoid unnecessary fabric conditioners
  • dispose of excrement in the loo before placing the nappy in the general waste (human faeces should not be composted)
  • choose an environmentally friendly disposable nappy with high credentials (preferably which has been independently assessed).
Consider the following:
  • does the nappy have a biodegradable backsheet? The ideal backsheet should be made from a breathable material.
  • biodegradable gel? Granules in the core of the nappy should be environmentally safe materials, as an example, those based on maize starch.
  • TBT (tributyl tin) is an environmental pollutant with a hormone-like effect. The smallest concentrations of TBT can harm children’s immune systems and impair their hormonal system.
  • is it chlorine free? Using unbleached wood pulp in the manufacturing reduces the bleaching agents used to make the nappy and reduces the toxicity of products against your child’s skin.
  • degradable packaging?
  • are they compostable? The inner contents of some eco nappies have been proven to break down within 8-12 weeks.


I want to compost but am worried about vermin and flies.

Vermin and flies can be a problem on compost heaps if they are open and if foods such as meat and fish is placed on them. Vermin can be avoided if composters are kept sealed, however, there are systems which can also digest meat and fish such as bokashi bins and the Green Cone. Check out the Waste essentials article for more information.


How can I tell if the claims made on product actually mean that the product is better for the environment?

At Green Beings we undertake a review of the information provided by the manufacturer and ask questions where necessary. However, we do not audit each product to ensure that they are adhering to their green claims. In Australia the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is clamping down on these green claims and will prosecute under the Trade Practices Act 1974 if a company’s claims cannot be verified and substantiated. A business unable to back up its claims may be subject to legal action and even if no contravention of the Act is found the negative publicity and criticism is likely to be harmful. Further information in relation to green claims and what else you can do to minimise your shopping impacts can be found by reading our article on Ways to Shop.

 

What can I do if I want to challenge a product’s green claims?

ACCC has released a publication ‘your consumer right: Environmental claims, fact sheet’ that provides information on possible breaches of the Trade Practices Act by businesses making green claims and the role that ACCC plays regarding those breaches.

 

If you know of a product that is making claims about its environmental benefits that can’t be backed up, let us know by emailing us. 

 

My product has some environmental benefits. How can I market these?

As mentioned above there has been a recent clampdown by ACCC on green marketing claims. The law firm Blake Dawson released a paper in December 2007 entitled Regulation of green marketing in Australia. This includes a summary of the regulation and some tips on what producers need to be aware of to ensure they comply with State and Federal legislation when making green marketing claims. A summary of recent ACCC investigations is provided in another article Are you really as green as you claim?