Cloth nappy initiative to relieve financial burden

THE Bua Urban Youth Network, in collaboration with Lalai and Sprout, launched “Sponsor a cloth nappy” to assist families struggling to buy nappies for their children.

Bua Urban Youth Network co-ordinator Alisi Rabukawaqa said the main aim of the drive was to support struggling families by relieving their financial burden which was caused by the need to buy nappies.

“The best part about any reusable nappy is they’re also environmentally sound so through this drive, we will get reusable nappies to communities directly impacted by TC Yasa,” she said.

She said the cloth nappies would contribute in disaster recovery and also protect the environment.

“One child can generate up to 1200kg of waste from disposable diapers which is equivalent to the weight of a small car and the cost of buying disposable diapers is very much for families to bear so these reusable nappies will save money and the environment at the same time.

Lalai and Sprout representative Emma Newland said the nappies collected would be distributed to the families on Galoa and Yadua islands.

“As soon as we have collected the number of packs needed on Galoa and Yadua islands, we will liaise with our networks and distribute it to help families with young children.”

She said they were planning to organise a drive to collect reusable menstrual pads for women.

“Lalai and Sprout has been lobbying for inclusion of reusable nappy products and women’s menstrual products into this post disaster relief packs, recognising the cost savings and the reduction in plastic waste from making the switch to cloth.”

She said people could give cash or purchase cloth nappies and donate.