Disposable wipes and its alternatives to consider
It’s very likely that, whether you’re a parent of a single child or a larger family, you’ve used disposable baby wipes at some point. Countless people all across the world now include these wipes into their everyday routines, demonstrating how well they have blended into modern life. Disposable wet wipes have had a negative effect on the environment despite their convenience.
Fortunately, a fix is available. Reusable baby wipes are not only a far better option for the environment, but they also perform significantly better than disposable wipes. It is time to embrace reusable wipes because plastic wet wipes are expected to be banned in the UK by 2024. The change will probably seem remarkably natural to you!
The Issue with Single-Use Wet Wipes
Wet wipes for one usage may seem like a practical convenience, but their environmental impact is anything but positive. These disposable wipes require a significant amount of water, energy, and resources to produce. This means that a single wet wipe might have a significant environmental impact even before it is used.
However, a throwaway wet wipe has far-reaching environmental effects that go beyond its first use. Many of these wipes are made of a plastic and cotton mixture, which prevents them from degrading. Wet wipes are explicitly advised against being flushed down toilets by water utility companies, but every year, a sizable number of them manage to get into sewage systems, clogging pipes and causing sewage overflows. In a study by Water UK, 22% of respondents reported flushing wet wipes down the toilet despite 88% of respondents acknowledging the harm wet wipes bring to the environment. Additionally, according to studies by Water UK, wet wipes make up around 93% of the substances that clog sewer systems.
Furthermore, there is little relief from disposing of wipes in trash cans. Wet wipes made of plastic can linger for years in landfills or, if burned, can release dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere. Although some people think that using biodegradable wipes will alleviate this problem, the reality is less encouraging. To degrade effectively, these biodegradable wipes require particular industrial composting conditions. Furthermore, many people still wrap their biodegradable wipes in plastic bags, completely preventing them from degrading.
Wet wipes that make it through sewage systems are still in for a bad time. Over the past ten years, wet wipes have been found along shores four times more often, according to the Marine Conservation Society. Even if these wipes degrade, they still release microplastics, which are dangerous to both human health and marine life
The Advantages of Utilizing Reusable Wipes
Reusable wipes, on the other hand, offer a very sustainable substitute. These wipes, which are made from materials like cotton, bamboo, or microfiber, may be washed and used frequently. Reusable wipe production requires only slightly more water and energy than a small number of disposable wipes. Therefore, choosing reusable wipes while your child is in diapers can significantly reduce your environmental effect. Additionally, this decision greatly reduces trash production because you only need a total of 30 reusable wipes rather than thousands of disposable ones.
Reusable wipes have a number of extra advantages in addition to the environmental ones. In the long term, they tend to be considerably more cost-effective, especially if you have several kids. Even with regular use, many parents discover that a single set of 30 reusable wipes lasts for more than 5 years.
Reusable wipes also have increased effectiveness. While dealing with a soiled diaper may require 5–10 disposable wipes, you frequently discover that half as many reusable wipes can do the trick because of their higher cleaning power. Given their composition of soft, delicate materials and their moisturizing with water or light soap and essential oil solutions, these wipes are also kinder to sensitive skin.
How to switch to reusable wipes
If switching to reusable wipes sounds appealing, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind before making the switch.
It’s important to note right away that switching to reusable wipes does not automatically include switching to reusable diapers. Reusable wipes can still be incorporated into your routine even if you aren’t yet ready to switch to cloth diapers.
There are many options, but cloth wipes made of organic materials like bamboo and cotton are frequently chosen. These choices give a soft touch for fragile areas while also ensuring effective cleaning. You can either buy already prepared reusable wipes or make your own, for instance, by cutting up an old towel.
You have two options for using your wipes: you can keep them pre-moistened in a waterproof container, or you can store them dry and moisten them as needed. The best place to keep used wipes until they can be laundered is in a damp bag. When it’s time to do laundry, wash your wipes using the same steps you would for badly soiled clothing or reusable diapers.
If you’re still hesitant to make the switch, think considering switching to reusable wipes for cleaning your hands and face first. You could be pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it progresses!
For more such Green Paretning information, please check our Green Parenting section