Parents of young children in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley who still use nappies are being asked complete a survey about the possibility of a reusable nappy program.
As part of a collaborative research project between 12 local councils, Yarra Ranges Council want to better understand the feasibility of of reusable nappies to reduce landfill waste.
The Best Practice Reusable Nappy Program Feasibility Study has been awarded $80,000 from Sustainability Victoria, through the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Councils Fund.
The study aims to understand the barriers present when of using reusable nappies, understand parents’ needs and evaluate the effectiveness of such a program to reduce waste and change behaviour.
A cornerstone of the feasibility study is a survey for parents and guardians about use of disposable and reusable nappies and their use.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, encouraged parents, guardians and care-givers to share their thoughts – and needs – with Council.
“Nappies are a frequent part of every parent, guardian and care-giver’s life,” Mayor Child.
“They are a crucial part of the day-to-day, and we know that they’re also a key part of household budgets.
“Disposable nappies make up between 5 and 15 per cent of household waste, meaning that about two billion disposable nappies end up in landfill every year.
“Because of the plastic components to disposable nappies, they can take 500 years to decompose.
“Reusable nappies are a fantastic way to avoid this waste and reduce ongoing costs. But we know that there are many parts to this conversation, about convenience, cost and accessibility.
“Our survey aims to understand what barriers exist to stop parents and guardians from using reusable nappies, what parents’ needs are and how an ongoing reusable nappy program could help them.
“I encourage anyone with a small child in their life to take a moment to fill out this survey.”
By completing the study as a collective of councils, the campaign hopes to allow for the sharing of costs and resources and increase the likelihood of an ongoing reusable program.
To take part in the survey, go to https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/reusable-nappy-project
