With Alderney’s population increasing lately with new babies, the States is offering the island’s proud new parents an incentive to ‘get real’.
Rather than use environmentally unfriendly disposable nappies, new parents can now get cash back just for using ‘real’ cloth nappies instead.
The idea came from a member of the public and has been approved by the States of Alderney’s General Services Committee and the Finance Committee.
Currently, it is thought that only a fifth of Alderney’s new parents opt for environmentally friendly cloth nappies. The young parents will get a £35 annual cash back on presentation of an application form and receipts in a scheme similar to Guernsey’s ‘Real Nappies’ campaign.
This reduces the black bin waste of polluting disposable nappies, cuts the cost of shipping waste off-island and reduces the likelihood of sewer blockages. It is also expected to inspire young parents to switch to other more environmentally favourable products such as cloth wipes, alternative sanitary products and eco household goods and toiletries.
“This was a no-brainer for the Finance Committee as there are funds available in the Environment Grants budget to make this happen and do more to protect the island’s environment while offering assistance to new families,” said Finance Committee Chairman Chris Harris.
Modern ‘real nappies’, made from alternative materials such as cotton, hemp, bamboo and wool, are comfortable, secure and chemical-free and can save parents around £500 or more per child and help end the dilemma of the Bailiwick disposing of up to 10,000 disposable nappies a day.
Alderney parents wishing to apply should contact the States of Alderney Treasury by emailing states@alderney.gov.gg to receive an application form. More information on using real nappies can be found here.
The main image is from the album ‘Family by Hubert Laws. All rights respected.
