Parents of a young child still in diapers likely have a lot on their minds. Changing diapers is probably one of them, as is the money spent on them and the waste they create.
On average, one baby will go through a lot of disposable diapers in their first year of life, and they will continue to need them until they are toilet trained.
To that end, most modern parents worry about the environmental impact of diapering their children and want to know if and how disposable diapers break down.
Find out how to properly dispose of diapers, what other options are available that are better for the environment, and more by reading on.
Are They Recyclable?
Do any of the eco-friendly disposable diapers on the market today actually decompose? Sadly, not even close to 100% biodegradability exists among them.
Most of the eco-friendlier options do include biodegradable components or less hazardous alternatives.
Diaper brands that come close (say, 60%–70% biodegradable under optimal conditions) tend to be among the more expensive options.
Every single diaper manufacturer makes use of plastic in their products. For this reason, even if you threw a dirty diaper into the backyard and left it there to degrade naturally, some of the diaper would remain unbroken.
Keep in mind that even the “greenest” diaper will not decompose if it is rolled up tightly, shoved into a plastic rubbish bag, and then dropped in with truckloads of other waste bags and buried in a landfill.
Are Regular Diapers Biodegradable?
Short answer: no. The typical disposable diaper is manufactured from petroleum-based polymers and synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene.
To effectively absorb human waste and mask unpleasant odors, diapers use chemicals in the absorbent fluff pulp layer. Still, if these chemicals leak into the soil in a landfill, they are very bad for the environment.
The average disposable diaper has a half-life of about 500 years in a landfill.
If they are thrown away properly, biodegradable diapers are much better for the environment than regular diapers.
However, they still have chemicals in them that might leach into the soil of a compost pile. This isn’t good for the plants or animals in the neighborhood.
It is also worth noting that the production of biodegradable diapers is a massive industry that relies on several enormous factories and methods that are harmful to the environment.
The water requirements for cultivating cotton, wood pulp, and bamboo are inconceivably high. Supermarkets around the world by airplanes, trains, and trucks also contributes to climate change.
The primary issue is the excessive use and subsequent waste of diapers. Even biodegradable, have a huge negative impact on the environment.
Do Babies Who Use Biodegradable Diapers Run Any Risks?
The safety of biodegradable diapers is a primary concern for many parents who are thinking about switching.
It is not that biodegradable diapers in and of themselves are harmful, but it does not imply they are risk-free here. It really depends on the materials of each diaper.
Even if you have read the phrases “biodegradable” or “green” about it, there are still several things you should check for in a disposable diaper if you are concerned about the safety of the diaper you are placing on your kid.
If you want to know what is in something, read the label.
Look for disposable diapers that do not have any added lotions, dyes, or scents. Unfortunately, they are typically contained in diapers, along with a number of chemicals and irritants that might affect your child and even trigger allergic responses.
None of them should ever come into contact with your baby’s skin, and they certainly have no place in a diaper.
You should also check the diapers for any added scents. Many diaper manufacturers add perfumes to their products (obviously to combat odors).
However, fragrances are notorious for containing carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals. The chlorine and petroleum-based plastics used in many products today are both damaging to the environment.
They can also cause skin irritation in young children, so it is important to avoid these wherever possible.
You should not assume that diapers are phthalate-free just because you do not see the term “phthalate-free” on the label.
Instead, you should actively seek out diapers that have this designation. The diaper must clearly state that it contains no phthalates.
There Are Certain Chemicals You Should Avoid in Regular Diapers, Including:
Phthalates (Give H3)
Phthalates are commonly used to soften polymers, and you can find them in the perfumes, dyes, and adhesives used in diapers.
Phthalates are dangerous at any age, but they are especially dangerous for developing fetuses and young infants.
Dioxins
These are persistent organic contaminants. They are a byproduct of the diaper bleaching process. Dioxins are known to cause cancer and other serious health issues over time.
Synthetic Dyes and Perfumes
Synthetic dyes are used in diapers, most notably for the brightly colored designs on the outside and the change-indicating strips and straps (wetness signs).
Some manufacturers add scents to their products to cover up the smell of a wet diaper.
Tributyltin (TBT)
Tributyltin (TBT) is used by several major manufacturers of disposable nappies as an antibacterial agent.
It is incredibly toxic, and it suppresses the immune system and interferes with hormone regulation.
This substance has a big enough effect on the environment that it is sometimes called a major pollutant.
Fortunately, some alternatives are safe and healthy for children and their parents to consider. Many products, including shampoo, employ harmful chemical compounds to keep production costs down.
Keep an eye out for diaper labels claiming they are phthalate-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, chlorine-free, etc.
Additionally, using eco-friendly labels with minimal to no patterns reduces your child’s exposure to synthetic and potentially harmful inks and dyes.
The Best Way to Dispose
Diapers could be a useful tool for controlling messes caused by babies and others. However, if not controlled, they pose a threat to our planet’s ecosystems.
Considering this, please do your part to ensure that your soiled diapers are disposed of correctly.
Taking good care of your soiled diapers is the best thing you can do to protect the health of people and the planet.