Minimising the Environmental Harm Caused by Disposable Diapers

acozyfuture.com –The convenience of disposable diapers comes at a significant environmental cost. This blog examines the environmental impact of disposable diapers, highlighting the issues of waste, pollution, and resource depletion.

Environmental Impact of Disposable Diapers

It is estimated that a child will use between 4,000 and 7,000 disposable diapers during early childhood, with each diaper taking up to 500 years to decompose. The slow process of decomposition contributes to several environmental concerns:

 

Microplastic Pollution

As they break down, these disposable diapers contaminate the soil and waterways, leading to the creation of 'microplastics', which can be consumed by fish within the food chain and, eventually, by humans [1].

 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As diapers decompose in landfills, they release methane. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), methane is the primary driver of ground-level ozone formation, a toxic air pollutant and potent greenhouse gas associated with one million premature deaths each year [2].

 

Land Use and Capacity

Because of the accumulation of waste, landfills are nearing their maximum capacity, necessitating the search for new sites for disposal, which often comes with significant expenses and environmental consequences [3].

In Singapore, the only landfill available, Semakau Landfill, is estimated to be filled by 2035 [4].

 

Resource Depletion

Ingredients like wood pulp, plastic, and absorbent gels are frequently employed in diaper production. This worsens the depletion of natural resources and adds to the energy-intensive manufacturing processes that fuel climate change [5].

Exploring Alternative Diaper Options

While alternatives like cloth and biodegradable diapers exist, they are not entirely without issues. Cloth diapers can contaminate waterways with fecal matter [6].

Additionally, there are two reasons why biodegradable diapers may not be the best choice. First, landfills may lack the necessary space, time, and facility for biodegradable diapers to fully decompose, as they need very specific conditions for natural decomposition, which are often not present in landfills or waterways.

Thus, they may take just as long as regular disposable diapers to break down. Second, current technologies are unable to produce 100% biodegradable disposable diapers, as some components still require non-biodegradable materials.

Research indicates that even the most advanced biodegradable diapers are only approximately 25% biodegradable.

At Cozycove, we're committed to a future without diaper waste, driven by concerns over the hidden chemicals and environmental impacts of disposable diapers.

We're currently collecting funds from diaper sales to establish a recycling facility, create a fully recyclable diaper, and offer recycling as a service.

Conclusion

Disposable diapers, while convenient, have a substantial environmental footprint. From microplastic pollution to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion, the impact is far-reaching.

By supporting initiatives like Cozycove's recycling efforts and considering more sustainable diaper options, we can work towards reducing this impact and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Together, we can make a difference in mitigating the environmental damage caused by disposable diapers!

 

References:

[1] United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Perspectives Issue No.43. UNEP’s Civil Society Unit. https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/42170/Perspective43.pdf.

 

[2] United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). Methane emissions are driving climate change. Here’s how to reduce them. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/methane-emissions-are-driving-climate-change-heres-how-reduce-them. 

 

[3] Hoornweg, Daniel & Bhada-Tata, Perinaz. (2012). What a Waste : A Global Review of Solid Waste Management. Urban development series;knowledge papers no. 15. © World Bank, Washington, DC. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/1a464650-9d7a-58bb-b0ea-33ac4cd1f73c.

 

[4] National Environment Agency. (n.d). Semakau Landfill 20th Anniversary. https://www.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/resources/publications/books-journals-and-magazines/envision-lite/june-july-2020/semakau-landfill-20th-anniversary. 

 

[5] Muthu, S.S. (2020). Assessing the Environmental Impact of Textiles and the Clothing Supply Chain. https://shop.elsevier.com/books/assessing-the-environmental-impact-of-textiles-and-the-clothing-supply-chain/muthu/978-0-12-819783-7. 

 

[6] Schwarcz,J. (2017). Diapers - Cloth or Disposable?. McGill University, Office for Science and Society. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/science-science-everywhere/diapers-cloth-or-disposable.