Solid Waste & Disposable Diapers
By the time bleary-eyed new parents are changing middle-of-the-night diapers, they have already made their decision on what will be covering their new baby's bottom. While going green is increasing in popularity, statistics show disposable diapers are still the top choice among parents despite other options.
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Environment
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After ending up in a landfill, disposable diapers can take up to 300 years to decompose, according to Natural-Environment.com. Despite fears that germs in the diapers from human excrement may contaminate ground water, the Environmental Protection Agency says it is safe to dispose of diapers along with other garbage.
Statistics
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ABC News reports that about 95 percent of American families choose to use disposable diapers, resulting in 18 billion diapers ending up in landfills every year. According to Natural-Environment.com more than 82,000 tons of plastic and 250,000 trees are used to make disposable diapers each year.
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Alternatives
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Rather than traditional disposable diapers, parents may choose biodegradable or cloth diapers. Cloth diapers require water and energy to clean, while biodegradable diapers can decompose within months. Biodegradable diapers are viewed as the green choice because the diaper's liner is flushed into the sewer system and parents insert a new liner into reusable cloth underpants.
Cost
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According to TheNewParentsGuide.com, disposable diapers cost about $50 to $80 per month. Costs range from $25 to $60 per month to launder cloth diapers at home, or $50 to $80 per month to use a diaper service. Biodegradable diapers are more expensive and can cost $75 to $100 per month.
Health
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Using disposable diapers may decrease a baby's likelihood of developing diaper rash compared to using cloth diapers, according to Parents.com. Disposable diapers are more absorbent and keep babies' skin drier.
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References
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