lesinfosbuzz Just another WordPress site
Related Articles
Bamboo Nappies – The Green Approach to Diapers
bamboo forest – a great material for making nappiesBamboo nappies, or diapers, are a growing in popularity as more and more people are becoming aware of their unique properties and as increasing numbers of people look for various options to cut their carbon footprints. Washable nappies, if used correctly (see below) can significantly reduce your energy and carbon use, and so have undergone a real revival in recent years. Yet cotton nappies have some disadvantages including the fact that there is a heightened risk of nappy rash and other similar aliments. Fortunately a number of new eco nappies have come onto the market in recent times made from materials such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton. In this post I’ll discuss some of the reasons why bamboo has become such a popular choice among eco-conscious parents.
Bamboo nappies are well-known for their absorbency and softness, which are some of the great traits in the “miracle” plant from which they are made. This organic material is a less resource-intensive crop than the cotton plant and is considered to be a greener approach to child care and hygiene. Bamboo is also grows rather rapidly and does not carry any pests, vermin, or disease; this means it does not need any kind of anti-pest sprays or fertilizers and the lack of use of these products makes it efficient and extremely safe.
Amazing Antibacterial Qualities
Scientists have discovered that when bamboo is turned into a fabric, it holds very unique, natural, and vital antibacterial qualities. Because of this, it can be reused up to fifty times. Bamboo also helps to fight odors and eliminates up to seventy percent of any bacteria growth that may develop from re-use. Bamboo nappies are constructed with a soft bamboo terry on the outside and a hidden and absorbent microfiber on the inside.
Powerful Absorbency and Strength
In comparison, bamboo is sixty percent more absorbent than cotton fabric and is capable of absorbing three times its weight in liquid. Like any natural fabric on the market, bamboo gets its absorbency from gaps and holes along the length of the fiber that can not be seen by the naked eye. It is also stronger than cotton and much more durable. Although cotton is known for being a very breathable material, bamboo has been proven to allow air to pass through its fibers more efficiently. It is also one of the softest materials on the market, being described as having a silky texture and retaining all of its properties after repeated cleanings.
Bamboo/Cotton Blend
Most bamboo textiles have been woven with cotton to help keep structure and stability. The ratio of bamboo to cotton is usually eighty percent to twenty percent respectively. This prolongs the bamboo nappies’ durability and life. This poly cotton blend helps to keep the fabric’s shape wash after wash. Some of the other very intriguing traits of the bamboo plant utilized by makers of bamboo diapers are the plant’s excellent insulating properties. It is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, keeping your baby comfortable all year long.
Always the Right Fit
Diapers made from bamboo have been found to be a better and more efficient choice. These diapers have been made to fit babies from newborn to infant and are ultra-trim fitted to secure snugly on a baby’s bottom. The newborn size has been constructed to have a lower cut front to accommodate the umbilical cord area, keeping moisture at bay.
Many diaper manufacturers have begun to produce bamboo nappies to a public that is concerned about carbon fingerprints. Being “greener” is safer for humans and the earth. Bamboo nappies are a prime choice in keeping world healthier and happier.
The only real downside is that they are a bit more expensive than the more traditional varieties. Yet even this pales in comparison with the cost of using disposable nappies. Using old fashioned nappies is a bit of a drag, and a lot of parents really can’t be bothered because of the extra work and stress involved. Truth be told, when you have a newborn you have enough on your plate not to be worrying about filling the washing machine with diapers. Yet if you can summon the strength to do so, you will be doing the environment a real favor in reducing waste and also cutting down on energy consumption.
There is, however, one thing to keep in mind with cloth nappies. If you wash them at a very high temperature and then dry them in a tumble dryer, the energy used to clean them produces about the same amount of carbon as it would to make disposable nappies. Ideally you want to be using them in the summer months when you can dry them on a line to save electricity.
This is especially true when using bamboo nappies, because they hold more water and take longer to dry than cotton nappies do.
