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The Great Diaper Debate

All parents face tough decisions every day. Even before baby is born, most parents reevaluate their lifestyle to ensure they are bringing their little one into a healthy and safe environment. “Do we eat only organic?” “Should we have a natural birth?” while it may not seem like the top priority, another common question parents ask is, “Should we use cloth or disposable diapers?” Ask any parent what those first few months are all about, and I am sure you’ll get a reply similar to the following. Eat. Sleep. Potty. Repeat.  You will go through a lot of diapers in the early years, in fact, disposable diapers account for 3.4 million tons of landfill waste per year and don’t decompose. Some parents debate whether or not cloth diapers are indeed better for the environment than disposables. Like with any parenting decision, there are pros and cons with either choice, but it is clear, despite the energy use of laundering and recycling water, using cloth diapers is the greenest way to go.

Cloth Diapers

Pros: Cloth diapers are available in a variety of natural fibers including, cotton, terry cloth, or flannel, a cloth baby diaper can come either as pre-folded pieces of cloth liners or as an all-in-one, a diaper with liner. Unless you decide to use a diaper service, which will rent wash and deliver cloth diapers to your home, at a cost of close to $3500, cloth diapers will save you money. You’ll spend roughly $800 during your child’s diaper-wearing years (approximately 3 years worth of energy bills, and upfront cost of cloth diaper set up) versus the $2,000 you’d spend on disposable baby diapers for the same amount of time. The fact that these types of diapers are less absorbent than disposables will mean more diaper changes, but it will also mean fewer diaper rashes, as the cloth will allow the skin to breathe. Another plus: It may be easier to start potty training because kids will notice they are wet and uncomfortable sooner, which will be an incentive to work on potty training. Another incentive to using cloth diapers if you plan on having more than one child, if taken care of properly, cloth diapers can be handed down and reused.

Cons:
Cloth diapers can be messy, although some come with reusable liners that make them easier to clean; they take a little more time to change than disposables. Because you have to wash the diapers, you will be doing more laundry, which means means higher water and electricity bills. However, the use and cost of these bills pales in comparison to the fact that disposable diapers will never decompose. Not to mention the energy and pollutants which are used to manufacture disposable diapers.

Disposable Baby Diapers

Pros: The main pro to disposable diapers is their convenience. Once you change the diaper, it’s out of sight, out of mind. But if you are a green minded parent, this is not a pro. Disposable might save you in a pinch, or help when you are traveling or visiting family and friends, but they last for years and years in a landfill.

Cons: Although there is no evidence that the chemicals and dyes used in baby diapers is toxic to young ones, many parents are leery of those chemicals being so close to their child’s skin. Also, disposable baby diapers aren’t the greenest way to manage your baby’s business, as mentioned previously; disposables account for 3.4 million tons of landfill waste per year and don’t decompose

There are many ways to be a “green,” parent. Consider using used baby toys, cribs, and other equipment. If it has been taken care and is safe, pass it along to another parent and give the equipment a second life. Your baby may only need it for a few months, but when thrown away, plastic equipment can last well after you baby has graduated from high school!  For more information on how you can live a greener lifestyle, visit our news page at Milleniumwasteinc.com

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Keeping the Community Clean

Millennium Waste Incorporated is committed to the growth and well being of the Quad Cities area. That’s why it’s so important to us to contribute to community events and activities. As proud members of the cities we serve, we are dedicated to youth involvement and keeping Betterndorf, Davenport, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island and all of our communities clean.

Events and Activities:

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  • Quad Cities Marathon
  • Bix 7
  • Greek Fest
  • Cinco De Mayo Festival
  • Bettendorf July 4th Festival

Contact us today with questions or suggestions.

 

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