DERRY City and Strabane District Council have this week passed the Real Nappy Voucher Scheme proposed by SDLP councillor Angela Dobbins.
Following an increased awareness on the detrimental impact disposable nappies have on the environment, the motion called for councillors to back an incentive encouraging parents to use the environmentally-friendly cloth alternative.
Said Cllr Dobbins: “When it comes to the environment or raising children for that matter, every little helps.
“I am delighted council has backed the Real Nappy Voucher scheme which aims to tackle the scourge of disposable nappies on the environment whilst at the same time offering parents a cheaper, reusable alternative.
“The myriad of problems caused by disposable nappies locally are huge- the council’s cleansing department are called regularly to clear blocked drains where nappies are to blame, they often obstruct production lines at recycling centres in instances where people use incorrect bins. The time and money saved by the department could be utilised elsewhere.
“Using real cloth nappies would dramatically reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill and minimise the impact on the environment, helping towards a circular economy.
“The £30 incentive is aimed at new parents and those with children still in nappies, to consider an eco-friendly option. I acknowledge that it may require more work in regards to washing and drying however, the benefits financially and environmentally are worth the extra time.
“I myself used the old Terry nappies with my first few children- only to turn to disposable nappies for handiness, unaware of their environmental impact.
“With that in mind and as a new grandmother, I have now encouraged my daughter to use the reusable alternative.
“As councillors we have to be the instigators of change for the betterment for our community.
“This one small change in peoples’ day to day lives could be instrumental in the investment of our future and that of our children,” she added.
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