Sustainable from birth
A bright idea backed by a $2000 grant is saving an estimated 8760 disposable nappies from landfill each year.
The Glenorchy Reusable Nappy Back has a dozen nappy packs out in the community, each containing 20 washable nappies.
That helps mums and dads make a sustainable choice, without breaking the bank, diverting around a tonne of waste from Queenstown’s Victoria Flats dump.
Co-ordinator Michelle Green says: “When I had my second son, we bought new reusable nappies, because they were both in diapers, but it was really expensive.
“And I thought it would just be a shame if people didn’t do it because of the cost, and could we, as a small community, have a communal hub.”
After a fundraising quiz night, four packs of 20 were purchased and the scheme began. Then, last year, Green applied for funding through Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Waste Minimisation Community Fund, and bought another eight packs.
“It was really, really easy. They basically said ‘this is a good idea; we’ll talk you through it if you find it hard’. So, anyone with a good idea should go for it.”
A funding pool of $50,000 is available for community projects that encourage enduring change in behaviours. And up to $10,000 for commercial waste minimisation or resource recovery projects.
Applications for the fund close this, Friday, 19 May. Details are on the QLDC website.
The washable nappies will be rotated around the community for years to come and replaced as needed.
“It’s been really fun meeting all the new families and babies,” Green says. “They’re put in contact with me, and I take them a nappy pack, and often stay for a cup of tea, and get to know them.
“We’ve also started sending out welcome baskets for new-borns, so we’ll put a reusable nappy in there and some information about getting involved.”
As well as reducing waste, the reusable nappies are also saving families money, as costs spiral. And the scheme has been such as success, it has already inspired other Queenstown Lakes’ communities to set up their own nappy banks.
