If you are a baby parent, maybe you have a lot in your mind at this time. One thing is perhaps changing diapers of your baby, and another is possibly the total amount of cash you want to spend on them, & thus, the number of diapers you send to the landfill.
Most of the babies utilize around 2,500 to 3,000 single-use diapers in their first year of age, and they carry on needing diapers until they are potty trained. Generally, the total cost reaches around $1,500 -$2,000 of diapers for one baby.
Several modern parents surprise if disposable diapers are decomposable, and what are the most viable choices for diapering a baby. After reading this article, you will know everything about compostable diapers, what biodegradable alternatives are, and much more.
Table of Contents
Are diapers eco-friendly?
Conventional disposable diapers are not eco-friendly. When something is recyclable, that means it is produced by nature and can break through natural ways & return to the earth. A range of plastic-based resources usually produces disposable diapers, & plastic is not eco-friendly.
Ingredients of the current diapers are polyethylene, fluff pulp, polyacrylate polymer, thermoplastic polymers, petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, polyester, and petroleum-derived constituents.
Recycling of diapers?
You cannot recycle diapers, and you have to discard them in the garbage. Only rigid plastics can go in the curbside recycling bin, such as containers & bottles.
If you purchase diapers within plastic cardboard that can be reused with paper as well as cardboard; when you buy diapers in plastic shrink packaging, then check with your resident grocery store if you can reuse it there along with plastic bags.
Impact of compostable diapers on the environment
A popular substitute for conventional disposable diapers is compostable diapers. Generally, diapers sold as biodegradable to use more viable resources and production ways as compared to regular diapers, which makes them further eco-friendly.
However, if you do not send them to a composting facility, at that moment, their influence is somewhat better than common diapers.
When brands put words, such as “pure” and “natural” & “green” and “sustainable” on their diaper wrapping, they suggest that this product is viable and good for our environment.
The world eco-friendly gets tossed everywhere a lot while talking about compostable diapers. Some brands even provide lists reviewing “eco-friendly” diapers, when in reality, several of the choices on the outline are not even sold as eco-friendly, but their wrapping just provides a biodegradable sense.
Let’s say, lists of “eco-friendly” diapers brands often comprise Hello Bello, the Honest Brand. This makes customers feel like these diapers break in the landfill, but in reality, all of these diapers utilize plastic & do not break down for several years.
Some brands take additional steps for making diapers less terrible for the planet before they go to the landfill; such as, by using eco-friendly materials, viable wood pulp, and chlorine-free & fragrance-free materials.
Are biodegradable diapers compostable?
Most diapers sold as biodegradable or recyclable cannot be composted, as they contain several synthetic ingredients. But, there are some single-use diapers available on the market that are compostable, only in viable or industrial compost situations, and not in household compost bins.
Such as Nature’s Premiere based in New York provides a compostable diaper facility, where parents can pick from three brands of compostable diapers. When the diapers are utilized, then parents can seal up these diapers & leave them outdoor for pickup. After that, a worker picks them up & carry them to a composting service. After some months, these used diapers go into compost. This aids keep a lot of diapers from the landfill.
But, Nature’s Premiere clarifies that those three diapers brands are not 100 percent compostable in reality, and they are around 80-90 percent compostable, as the tabs as well as flexible leg patches are still prepared by plastic, and have to be detached before composting.
But, considering a compostable diaper facility is more sustainable instead of using plastic diapers.
Why should you choose eco-friendly diapers?
Disposable diapers make a significant portion of the garbage collected every year throughout the world. They pose health risks to humans and our environment. About 20 billion single-use diapers go into the landfills for each year.
Disposable diapers do not break down completely, even if you expose them to sunlight. It is estimated that single-use diapers take about 500 years to decay. It means that all of your single-use diapers are going to the landfill, still gradually degrading.
Chemicals are severely used in disposable diapers. These chemicals can contain adverse effects on people if continuously used. We have no idea of the side effects that these toxic chemicals can bring in our kids.
The inner layer of single-use diapers has toxic chemicals that can cause allergic reactions! Furthermore, these disposable diapers have dyes as well as dioxins, which can cause cancer. So we should keep our children away from such kinds of diapers.
Things to consider while choosing compostable diapers
The “green” and “biodegradable” world is expanding quickly. It means that you have further options than before! That also means it can be slightly overwhelming to choose the ideal diaper for you. Consider these features before purchasing biodegradable diapers!
1- Lack of Chemicals
The reason why you need to use these eco-friendly diapers is that you want to avoid chemicals. Selecting a diaper that is full of hazardous elements goes against the entire purpose!
Biodegradable diapers use better materials, so go for these facts:
- Chlorine-free
- Dye-free
- Latex-Free
- Perfume-free
2- Price
Honestly speaking, cost matters and biodegradable diapers have price more than single-use diapers. You need to decide how much money you want to spend. Some biodegradable diapers are available that do not need a donation of a kidney to get diapers for your baby. So, decide the budget & understand what fits into it, and do not go for another way around!
3- Function
You need to ponder how well the diaper does its specific job. Each time see the reviews left by other people and tell your friends & family who have tried these biodegradable diapers.
Look at the diaper design. And look at leg gussets, elastic tabs, and interior wicking covering to keep your kid feeling dry.
4- Biodegradable
The whole purpose of this article is to show you the finest eco-friendly diapers available on the market. But, all diapers are not 100% recyclable. Some are about 75% biodegradable. On average, traditional disposable diapers are just about 25-30% biodegradable; therefore, we need to select diapers that do better as compared to disposable diapers.
Top 8 Biodegradable Diapers Brands
1- Nature Babycare Diapers
Eco-friendly diapers by Nature Babycare are free of fragrances, chlorine, and any modified organisms. These diapers do not use plastic and any toxic chemical. You can get Babycare diapers weighing 4-60 pounds.
Diapers from this brand are perfect for babies having sensitive skin. These diapers contain a chlorine-free pulp to prevent rashes. It means that these diapers are safe for your kid!
Pros
- FSC licensed wood pulp
- Chlorine-free
- No fragrances and dyes
- Uses a corn film
- Not bulky
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-wetters
- Hard
2- Bambo Nature Diapers
Eco-Friendly diapers by Bambo Nature carry the Nordic Swan Eco-tag that promises these diapers do not have harmful chemicals, for example, chlorine, heavy metals, formaldehyde, organotins, plastic, and latex.
These diapers are about 75 percent eco-friendly as compared to the 35 percent that regular disposable diapers. They are hypoallergenic as they do not have any optical brighteners, fragrances, essential oils, ointments, or odor removers.
These diapers utilize wheat starch instead of SAP that present in disposable diapers. These diapers are prepared with a biodegradable manufacturing method.
Pros
- Available in 7 sizes
- Licensed by the Danish Asthma as well as Allergy Association
- Not stiff
- Great fit
Cons
- Not reasonable
- Prone to leaks
- Not perfect for heavy-wetters
3- Seventh Generation Diapers
When you start to buy biodegradable materials, you understand that Seventh Generation trades everything from detergents to disposable diapers. We will love these diapers by Seventh Generation are free of latex, plastic, fragrances, & petroleum-based ointments.
Their processing is free from chlorine. As an alternative, these diapers have a core fiber for perfect absorption. Seventh Generation diapers have wood pulp, SAP, pigments, polypropylene, and polyurethane.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Chlorine as well as fragrance-free
- Prepared with sustainable wood pulp
Cons
- Has some petrochemical components
- Prone to leaks
- Stiff material
- Not perfect for heavy wetters
4- Earth’s Best Diapers
This is a leading brand in the organic & biodegradable baby world. The diapers by this brand are chlorine-free & prepared with renewable materials. Earth’s Best utilizes corn as well as wheat for absorption. These diapers are free of latex, colors, and perfumes.
All of their diapers by this brand have breathable sides, shackles to stop leakage and refastenable tabs. All of the diapers are with flexible tabs to obtain the right fit. Their breathable sides protect leaks; this keeps your baby feeling dry.
Pros
- Reasonable
- Free from latex, chlorine, scent, and dye.
- A good option for overnight use & heavy-wetters
Cons
- Runs small
- Stiff
- Some petrochemicals are also present.
5- The Honest Company Diapers
Diapers by the Honest Company are non-toxic as well as hypoallergenic. These diapers prepared with a viable chlorine-free pump & a naturally-based absorbent layer that depends on corn & wheat as compared to SAP.
These diapers are free of scents, lotions, toxic chemicals, whiteners, latex, chlorine handling, phthalates, plastic, brighteners, and heavy metals. These diapers use the wood pulp that comes from sustainable forests.
You can buy these diapers in several sizes, from baby birth to potty training. All of the diapers by this company have flexible side panels, cuffs, and refastenable tabs to prevent leakages.
Diapers by the Honest Company are not 100% biodegradable as they also have spandex as well as petrochemicals.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Charming prints
- Free from chlorine, scent, and lotion.
- Great fit
Cons
- Not perfect for runny poops
- Has petrochemicals
- Stiff materials
6- Babyganics Ultra Absorbent Diapers
These diapers are the most affordable eco-friendly diapers available on the market, having an average price of $0.25 each diaper. These diapers do not have latex, chlorine, scents, & petroleum-based creams. Babyganics uses a core that is produced by plant-based ingredients.
The diapers by Babyganics are very comfortable & have additional absorbency. The side pieces are flexible, soft, and breathable. As stated by Babyganics, their diapers offer fit for 12 hours of protection from leakage.
Pros
- Very reasonable!
- Soft
- Free from chlorine, latex, & artificial scent
- Fits well around legs
Cons
- Not as absorbent as other options
- Poop punctures happen
- The brand does not provide too much info on ingredients
7- Broody Chick Eco-Natural Diapers
The diapers by Broody Chick are costly as compared to the regular diapers you would grasp at the store. In reality, they usually cost about $0.56 each diaper, which is lots of cash, but there are some reasons why you should consider these diapers.
These diapers are 100% eco-friendly, and they do not use petroleum-based substances. They are hypoallergenic, biodegradable. These diapers by Broody Chick are compostable, which will happen only if you contain a compost load to do so.
Pros
- 100% eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Chlorine a swell as fragrance-free
- Absorbent
Cons
- Not perfect for newborns
- Stiff
- Costly
8- Andy Pandy Bamboo Diapers
Andy Pandy diapers is a new option available on the market, and you will love that if you are apparent. They are very soft and ultra-absorbent. There are several great qualities, such as the indicator line for moisture.
These diapers are hypoallergenic as well as antibacterial naturally, ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Only this brand uses eco-friendly bamboo, which is very soft and smooth to the touch. Still, bamboo is durable and super absorbent so that you can get the finest of both worlds.
Andy Pandy diapers are free from chlorine, alcohol, latex, plastic, TBT, and antioxidants. You can buy these diapers in several sizes up to size 6.
Pros
- Super Absorbent
- Moisture-wicking
- Utilizes antibacterial bamboo
- Soft & silky to the touch
Cons
- Costly
Choosing the best biodegradable diaper
Although there are numerous options for eco-friendly diapers, it will be hard to choose a good one. Brands are working to generate better choices for parents. Several of these companies do not have the absorbency feature; however, frequent changes can stop leaks.
If your aim is to decrease your carbon footprint & lessen your rubbish output, then any of these choices will be great! You should try some brands to get which company fits your baby. Each baby contains a different body physique; thus, certain baby diapers will fit better rather than others. Offer them a try and get what works the best for your baby!
