AROUND eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK, with the vast majority ending up in landfill.

That equates to nearly 700,000 tonnes of nappies – the weight of 100 million six-month-old babies.

They are shocking statistics and supporters of this year’s Real Nappy Week, which runs from Monday, are urging parents to make the switch to washable nappies in a bid to lessen the environmental impact.

“By using cloth nappies, parents can actually help to reduce this shocking statistic and make a positive step towards a greener planet,” explained Rose Glendinning, head of New Forest Nappy Network.

Rose decided to use cloth nappies on her son when he was born 15 years ago and was so passionate about them that she set up her own company, Nappy Bliss, in 2008, selling and laundering cloth nappies. She also set up the New Forest Nappy Network in 2010 to campaign for the use of “real” nappies and offer support and advice to parents.

“While some may remember cloth nappies back from the days when they were difficult to use and required pins to keep them in place, things really have changed,” she said.

“There are now hundreds of different types of cloth nappies and there are even pull-ups available. What’s more, parents can save £500 over the baby’s nappy-wearing lifetime if they use cloth nappies.

“That includes the cost of washing them and the saving could be even higher for some people, particularly if they’re reused for a second child.”

Someone doing just that is mum-of-two Candy Masau, from Poole, who uses cloth nappies on her daughter Ruby, two, and son Charles, aged 14 weeks.

“I decided to use cloth nappies because I prefer not to have the chemicals from the disposable nappies on my kids’ skin if I can help it,” she explained. “It is much nicer for them to have natural products on their skin.

“Plus, my sister used cloth nappies on her four children in Australia, so I had experience in how they worked. They are simple enough to use, especially now they are pre-folded. They take slightly longer to put on as there is the nappy, liner and wrap, but it is worth it for the benefits.”

One thing that puts many parents off is the extra washing involved. But there is now a way to get around even that.

“There are plenty of options available these days,” said Candy.“I use a nappy laundry service which picks up the dirty nappies and delivers clean ones back to my doorstep every week. Because of this, the washing is very minimal.”

Bournemouth Borough Council is running a real nappy incentive scheme, where parents and parents-to-be can claim £30 off the initial cost of buying washable nappies.

So Rose Glendinning says there is now no excuse for parents not to give cloth nappies a try.

“It is encouraging to hear that around 100 families have already signed up to the scheme,” she added. “Bournemouth really is taking steps to encourage the use of cloth nappies and I urge other councils in the South to be guided by its example and establish and promote similar schemes.”