Reusable Nappies - the New Norm
Kinderen Early Childhood Education Centre received the NPDC Waste Levy Fund this November for the purchase of reusable nappies to exclusively be used at their centre. With policies and procedures already in place, they are poised to make the transition. In order to commend their bold efforts to enact change as well as bring awareness to this more sustainable approach to running a childcare centre, we have named Kinderen our Sustainable Business Champion this month.
The reusable route sits better with us, and the whole team is all on board. - Stacey King, Little Centre Head Teacher
Reusable Nappies - The Journey
Lucas planting seedlings at Kinderen Little Centre, 66 Buller Street
Kinderen staff have carefully prepared in every thinkable way to ditch the throw-aways. With ongoing preparation, thorough research, mind mapping, and staff training, they are thrilled to get the green light to start the next leg of their zero waste journey. Ruru House in Lepperton and Sophia Preschool in Oakura are two other centres that have successfully implemented an entirely reusable nappy system, so we know it’s possible! In order to inspire households and other childcare centres, we interviewed the staff at Kinderen to learn more about their action plan.
Kinderen’s bold steps to implement reusable nappies and create the “new norm” is a trendsetting challenge!
With the help of the Waste Levy Fund, the centre will divert 200 to 250 nappies each week, or the equivalent of two completely filled yellow top bins. That’s a lot of nappies - around 10,500 a year just to paint a bigger picture of how much potential there is divert waste from our landfills.
Sarah, teacher at the Little Centre, holds up the charcoal microfibre inserts and the Chirpy Cheeks outer. At her feet is a bokashi bucket which the centre now uses in their composting system, thanks the Let’s Compost.
Navigating The Reusable Diaper Path
So how does it work? For some who are new to the idea of washing wees and poos down the drain, this sort of transition might seem mountainous. However, once the routine is established, it is quite easy, and the more tools you have in your tool kit, or options available in a pinch, the easier the transition. For instance, there is nothing wrong with partially using the reusable system and interchanging with throw away brands or introducing eco nappies, such as Little and Brave, to make the switch little by little. Having a spray bottle filled with water and a bin for flannels at your changing table makes it that much easier to avoid using throwaway wipes with reusables. Just toss the flannel inside the soiled nappy and snap or velcro it shut for laundering. Keep reading for laundering tips.
“Our rubbish is cut in half, has far less odor, and I feel good that I’ve saved money and the environment by using resusable nappies and flannels instead of wipes.” - A local mum of two from Marfell
There are also helpful resources available for those who would like to learn more about Waste Free Parenting with Kate Meads who holds educational workshops in Taranaki.
Kinderen’s System
Nappies have been ordered from Chirpy Cheeks Nappy Store, which offers reasonably priced, bamboo charcoal inserts suitable for heavy duty use.
They plan to use patient wipes, which are thick and soft dry hospital-grade wipes. They are discussing the next step of using flannels which can be washed along with the nappies. They’ve also invested in bamboo inserts which come in roles and can be ordered in bulk. These are not flushable however, but and allow for an easier and quicker clean up.
Microfleece inserts can also be used in place of the bamboo. The fabric can be purchased at Spotlight and cut into rectangles.
They’ve also purchased the Big Kids Training pants from Puddle Busters, which offers a good transition for those children who are toilet training. The staff at Kinderen want to keep up with the undies for consistency, but this helps with containing accidents. It’s a good in between step.
There are also helpful resources available for those who would like to learn more about Waste Free Parenting with Kate Meads who holds educational workshops in Taranaki.
Laundering Tips And Tricks
Use white vinegar and tea tree oil to eliminate odors
Wash on hot, and avoid mixing with other clothes
Have a system that works for you - adapt to meet needs
Cull nappies that are leaking or are not fitting anymore
Purchase new inserts and trial different brands and fabric types
Pre assemble the nappies and store in a basket by the changing station
Avoid soaking and store in a bucket or a laundry sink until ready to launder and wash away soiled matter
Line dry is best, but dryers are good too!
Check Out Clean Cloth Nappies For Further Reading On How To Care For Your Reusables.
