Islanders encouraged to "go real" for Real Nappy Week

Friday 29 April 2022

Islanders are being encouraged to “go real” and try reusable nappies for their children as part of Real Nappy Week.

The Guernsey Real Nappy Network has been promoting the environmental and financial benefits of using the reusable products.

Network volunteer, Nikki Fallaize, said that reusable nappies have “come a long way” from what islanders may traditionally picture.

Pictured: Nikki Fallaize said there is a "wide range of choices" for reusable nappies both online and locally.

“I tried using real nappies with my son, who is now 15, and I gave up quite quickly. Things had come along a bit with my second child, now 12, and I had a bit more success as awareness of real nappies was growing,” said Mrs Fallaize. 

“My three year old, Megan, had reusable nappies since she was born and I would never go back to disposable nappies.”

Mrs Fallaize was motivated by the environmental benefit of real nappies but said that the financial benefit was substantial.

“By using real nappies, you can save around £500 over the time that your child is using nappies,” she said.

“You will also save on the black bin charges and there is a resale value to the nappies too so there are a lot of benefits.”

Pictured: Nikki Fallaize and Tina Norman-Ross have encouraged islanders to try the free two-week trial kits.

The States of Guernsey offer a £35 cashback subsidy to islanders who purchase either new or second-hand real nappies.

States Waste Prevention and Recycling Officer, Tina Norman-Ross, encouraged islanders to try the reusable products.

“The island’s waste strategy is based on a hierarchy which puts prevention at the top of the tree and using reusable, washable nappies is a great way of saving on waste,” she said.

“What’s great about the Guernsey Real Nappy Network is that they promote the benefits of using real nappies and we also want to really encourage people to try them.

“We aren’t saying you have to use them all the time if that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, but there are real benefits even if you’re only using them some of the time.”

Pictured: Real nappies do not require soaking and are machine washable.

Mrs Fallaize said the network provides a free trial pack of reusable nappies.

“We offer the packs for a two-week period so people can see whether it’s an option that is going to work for them before they purchase nappies,” she said.

“In years gone by people think of hand scrubbing and soaking and bleaching but things have progressed a lot; there is no soaking needed now and the nappies are machine washable. Most are also designed for tumble drier use too which, while not the most environmentally friendly drying choice, is a good option to have available.”

Mrs Fallazie said there was a lot of support available for islanders wanting to use real nappies for their children.

“It all comes down to balance and choice, we want to raise awareness of the options available to people and that they don’t have to go down the disposable route, there is an alternative,” she said.

“The Network Facebook page is growing all the time and we are always happy to answer any questions and offer support to anyone who is interested.”

Pictured: The Guernsey Real Nappy Network offers support and information on the use of real nappies. 

The Network’s Facebook page can be found HERE.

More information on the States subsidy scheme can be found HERE.