For many new parents, the choice of the diaper has traditionally been a toss-up between washable cloth and disposable plastic. Diapers are said to be better for the environment because they can be washed and reused, while plastic disposable diapers considered easier to use and less expensive. In reality, both cloth and plastic disposable diapers have drawbacks where the environment is concerned. A new type of plastic-free flushable diaper is called a diaper or nappy green has recently become a more environmentally friendly alternative to either cloth or plastic diapers.
A flushable diaper disposable plastic like a traditional diaper, not the kind of plastic that contains non-biodegradable 500 years. Instead, the washable liner of a flushable diaper is made of a nylon plastic material coated with polyurethane. Traditional diapers typically have polyvinyl chloride or PVC in their liners. These nylon liners have snapshots built into them, so they can be easily removed during changing. The solid waste may be dumped in a toilet, while the wet coating may be washed and used again.
The outer layer of a flushable diaper is made from renewable form of material called viscose rayon, largely harvested trees. This layer is of course waterproof and degradable in a landfill within a few months. The viscose rayon can be dyed a variety of colors, including a striking green. The outer layer of a flushable diaper looks more like a cloth diaper or a disposable plastic wrapper.
The absorbing layer of a flushable diaper is also environmentally friendly. A highly absorbent chemical called sodium polyacrylate SAP, or is combined with a natural wood product called fluff pulp to provide maximum absorption for both types of human waste. The absorbent SAP crystals enjoy urine, whereas the fluff pulp absorbs and contains other wastes. Both SAP and pulp fluffs are fully biodegradable.
Although promoted as a flushable diaper, a "green diaper" can also be disposed of with regular household waste after the solid waste remains. A wet but not dirty flushable diaper can also be added to a compost heap, and finally reacted with a source of fertilizer. The inner lining and outer shell can be either flushed down a standard toilet with whatever materials they contain. The absorbent layer should not be in the toilet for a long time. However, because the SAP crystals continue to absorb water and are unflushable.
Locating a constant supply of flushable diapers or green can be a challenge in some areas, but they can be ordered through specific environmental sites or directly from the manufacturer. Flushable diapers do not require additional cleaning services, and they will not remain intact in landfills for hundreds of years. There can be a bit of a learning curve when parents learn how to remove the liners, and without incident, but generally the use of green diapers should certainly help the amount of natural resources needed to produce, clean and have traditional diapers reduce.
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