Parents, get real! Alderney offers 'cash for nappies'

Thursday 19 May 2022

Alderney is offering parents cash for using real nappies to help reduce sewer blockages and “end the dilemma” of the Bailiwick throwing away up to 10,000 disposable nappies a day.

Modern ‘real nappies’, made from materials such as cotton, hemp, bamboo and wool, are comfortable, secure and chemical-free and can save parents around £500 or more per child.

However, the States of Alderney said that only around a fifth of new parents on the island were opting for the environmentally friendly option.

To promote their use, the Government is now offering £35 cash back, which parents will be able to claim after filling out an application form.

The idea, which was originally put forward by a member of the public, was described as a "no brainer" by the leader of the island's Finance Committee Chris Harris, as it will "protect the island's environment while offering assistance to new families."

Pictured: ‘Real nappies’ can be made of cotton, hemp, bamboo and wool.

According to Alderney's government, one of the key benefits of the scheme will be cutting the cost of shipping waste-off island and reducing the likelihood of sewer blockages, as well as encouraging individuals to use other reusable household goods, such as period products and cloth cleaning wipes.

It follows the introduction of a 'Real Nappies' campaign in Guernsey in 2018. They’re now being encouraged by the Guernsey Real Nappy Network.

Nikki Fallaize, Speaking to Express during Real Nappy Week last month, Network Volunteer Nikki Fallaize said: “My three-year-old, Megan, has had reusable nappies since she was born and I would never go back to disposable nappies.

“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.”