Diapers: Which are Best for the Environment?

Leading environmentalists and experts in the baby industry continue to debate over the different diaper options now available and which are best for the environment.

As the trend of going green continues, more and more parents are choosing cloth diapers over disposable diapers.  Statistics regarding how long a disposable diaper takes to decompose (average of 450 years) to how much human waste fills landfills each year can be an overwhelming push choose an alternative, like cloth diapers.  However, the current debate centers around the energy and water required to clean cloth diapers.  Is there really a savings?  Is one more environmentally friendly than the other?

Disposable diapers are now being made from biodegradable materials.  However, the catch here is that these materials need exposure to the elements like water and oxygen, which they often do not while being underground in landfills.

Parents who want to reduce their carbon footprint and have a positive impact on the environment should be aware of the different options and ultimately choose one that is the best fit for their individual child and their personal lifestyle.