Activists are calling for action on the carbon footprint of disposable diapers

Environmental campaigners are calling on the UK government to take action after new analysis found a significant difference between the carbon footprint of washable and disposable nappies. According to a report commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), reusable nappies have 25 % less global warming potential than disposable nappies. It turned out that the impact of the production of disposable diapers on the environment is almost nine times greater, and when they are disposed of, it is almost ten times greater. However, the report presents a mixed picture, with reusable nappies receiving a worse impact rating in 11 out of 18 categories – particularly in relation to water and electricity consumption for washing and drying.