The Diaper Bank on Going Green . . .
We at the Diaper Bank are conscious of the "Butt print" we are leaving, and we are open to suggestions. Here are a few facts to consider:
- Often times, daycare facilities are resistant to accepting cloth diapers.
- Moms who can't afford diapers typically also can't afford detergent, bus fare to get to the laundromat, and then money for the laundromat (plus the time it takes to regularly wash cloth diapers).
- For the poor, a cloth diaper costs MORE upfront. In a pinch, a mom will choose to buy diapers at Circle K because all she has is 5 dollars. That may only get her 10 diapers. She has just paid $0.50 per diaper instead of $0.20 we pay when we can afford to buy a $35 case at Costco.
- Cloth diapers require more frequent changes than disposable and may not be well suited for daycare / busy environments.
- Cloth diapers are not readily available for adults (there are some sources including http://babykins.com/adult-diaper.html). The bigger issue is cloth diapers may not be suitable for reasons of dignity for adults (thickness under clothes) as well as other care related issues.
Check out The Sierra Club's take on diaper options: The big cloth-versus-disposable debate
Green Diaper Donations
We will work with our partner agencies to place a new supply of reusable cloth diapers with a family who has both the interest and ability to use them.
We have also placed "diaper services" if someone wants to pay for a 12 week
service. That must include purchasing the cloth diapers required and
providing the service for 12 weeks.
If you want to donate disposable diapers & go green, we recommend Seventh Generation or WholeFoods brand diapers which are chlorine free.
"Cloth Diapers Make a Comeback" (article)
Information about obtaining Adult Cloth Diapers (website)
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