Diapers take care of your baby’s business for you, and they serve as underwear for your babies. They are very convenient since you can throw them away after your baby does its business. However, have you ever wondered how do disposable diapers affect the environment?
In this article, I will explain how disposable diapers affect the environment. We will touch upon the best substitutes that you can opt for or the methods for you to avoid harming the environment while being practical.
Disposable Diapers
What Are Disposable Diapers Made of?
The first thing you have to know when investigating “how do disposable diapers affect the environment?” is disposable diapers made out of.
This way, we can get a clear view of how it can affect the environment and why it does not do practical after all.
Layers
Disposable diapers are made up of three parts, and it is equally important to know all about those parts as it is essential to understand how the disposable diapers are made and what they are composed of.
Top Sheet
This is the layer you need to watch out for. It is the layer next to your baby’s skin, which means that you have to watch out for this layer’s composition to make sure that nothing toxic is against your baby’s skin.
Core
I am sure that you have read and heard about this layer in advertisements. The absorbent core is the layer that absorbs all the fluids.
Outer Shell
The last layer is the waterproof part of the disposable diapers, and it is the first layer that you will see. The outer shell has to be ensured, and it has to be gentle enough so that the baby’s skin does not get irritated.
Composition: Non-Disclosure
Most diaper brands have non-disclosure agreements when it comes to the whole composition of their disposable diapers. However, there is one ingredient or component in the disposable diaper called the SAP.
SAP or Super Absorbent Polymer is the secret ingredient of disposable diapers and tiny crystals sprinkled inside the core layers to help absorb fluid.
This material is new and had only been discovered in the ’70s, and it is not clear if it has been tested to be safe and non-toxic.
How Do Disposable Diapers Affect the Environment?
Now, how do disposable diapers affect the environment? The answer to that is simple. Anything that you throw away will eventually change the environment that you are in.
And, in the case of disposable diapers, the same is true. Disposable diapers make one of the most significant consumer products in landfills. On top of that, it takes hundreds of years for disposable diapers to decompose.
Furthermore, as we discuss disposable diapers, they are already pooling in the landfills and are left there to decompose without sunlight. Even the non-toxic and eco-friendly disposable diapers will not decompose without air and sunshine.
Imagine the impact that this inflicts on the environment and imagine the repercussions of simply being practical and using disposable diapers. They can be a significant source of the chemicals that harm our O-zone and destroy our environment.
And, you might be one of the most significant contributors to the jeopardy of the world.
Help the Environment
Now that you know how much damage disposable diapers can cause into the environment, what can you do to help?
There are several ways for you to help save the environment or to maintain at least it breathes from all the toxins that humans throw at it.
- Use cloth diapers
- Advocate for cloth diaper instead of using disposable diapers
- Wear cloth diaper advocacy pins or apparel for more awareness
- Read about cloth diapers and educate yourself
- Stop using disposable diapers altogether
- Talk to your friends and teach them
- Learn how to make cloth diapers
- Make trendy designs
- Make a video on DIY cloth diapers
- Host a class centering on cloth diapers
- Reach out to as many people as you can and educate them about the disadvantages of using disposable diapers
Conclusion
Disposable diapers have become the most practical way to take care of your baby’s business in the modern world. However, because they are disposable, people can only use them once and then throw them away, and everything that people throw away will be dumped and eventually be one of the world’s toxins. That is why, in this article, we discussed how do disposable diapers affect the environment and what are the ways for you to help the environment breathe again. It will be all up to you to judge how you can help and how you will handle the information given to you in this article. Find out more about diapers.