Demystifying Diapers: Are Eco-Friendly Diapers Better?

Bringing a child into the world is a blessing, but the diaper years come with a significant financial and environmental cost. Are eco-diapers the solution? Our in-depth guide gives you the facts.

First, congratulations on welcoming another member to the family! For eco-conscious parents, this exciting occasion also comes with a slight moral dilemma: How eco-friendly are your diapers? Every minute, 300,000 disposable diapers enter landfills, are incinerated, or pollute our environment worldwide. We know there are environmental benefits to sustainable diapers, but are these eco-friendly diapers actually better for the environment?

We’ll give you the facts so you can decide for yourself, along with some tips on diaper practices to lessen your environmental impact. At the end of the day, we recognize that the right diapers for you will depend on various personal factors, but hopefully, this guide will offer some clarity to get you through those diapering years.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Diapers

Before we weigh the value of eco-friendly diapers, let's examine the actual impact of traditional disposable diapers.

On average, a baby will go through about 3,000 disposable diapers just in their first year and 7,000 diapers before they're potty-trained. It takes approximately 500 years for single-use diapers to decompose due to the plastics and absorbent polymers that traditional disposable diapers are composed of. To make matters worse, during that process, each diaper emits methane (a greenhouse gas) and ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons.

In addition to the emissions released during the decomposition process, disposable diaper industries extract over 248 million barrels of crude oil annually and create over 38 million tons of solid waste per year globally. Among that waste are harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, released into our environment and absorbed by individuals through their skin or exposure to contaminated environments. 

To address the issue of toxins and slow-decomposing plastics in single-use diapers, some eco-friendly diaper brands, like VeryVery, have developed disposable diapers made mainly from plant-based materials, free of harsh chemicals. Innovation in the cloth diaper industry offers another solution to parents looking for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic-based disposable diapers. However, these diapers come with their own pros and cons that we'll explore in more depth below.

What Makes a Diaper “Eco-Friendly”

As consumers become more conscious of the need for eco-friendly products, some companies have adopted eco-friendly language to align with demand without following environmentally sustainable practices. This is called "green-washing." We can avoid green-washing and identify the best eco-friendly diapers by staying informed on what makes a diaper "eco-friendly."

Eco-friendly diapers use biodegradability, sustainable materials, manufacturing practices, and non-toxic ingredients in varying degrees to offer products that are more environmentally low-impact than traditional single-use diapers. Eco-diapers generally fall into two categories: reusable diapers and eco-disposable diapers.

Reusable Diapers

Reusable diapers are typically made from cloth and can be washed and reused throughout a baby's diapering days. Some cloth diapers even have features that adjust the size of the diaper to fit babies as they grow.

Because cloth diapers can be reused for multiple children, recycled, and made from natural materials like organic cotton, they don't pose the same pollution risks as plastic-based disposable diapers that are thrown out with poop after only one use, nor are they made with the harsh chemicals that you typically find in regular disposable diapers.

That said, manufacturing, distributing, and cleaning cloth diapers expends many natural resources. Additionally, the laundry detergent used to wash these natural diapers can have its own environmental impact. If you choose cloth diapering, consider using an eco-friendly laundry detergent and line-drying your diapers.

Eco-Disposable Diapers

Eco-friendly disposable diapers can be sustainable in a few ways. While some brands offer compostable diapers, others reduce their carbon footprint by using materials that can biodegrade in a relatively short time.

These biodegradable diapers are often made of natural fibers like sustainably sourced wood pulp, bamboo, or silk. Because of their high-quality materials, they tend to be more expensive than cloth or traditional disposable diapers. In addition to their materials, they also use cleaner ingredients that are less harmful to our ecosystems and safer for babies’skin.

However, eco-friendly disposable diapers still risk fecal content leaking into groundwater or ending up in oceans. Additionally, compostable diapers require very specific conditions to actually break down. If you have a compost-collecting service in place, that would be ideal.

While neither eco-friendly diaper is a perfect solution, they both offer several environmental and personal benefits that traditional single-use diapers lack.

Advantages of Eco-Friendly Diapers

There's a reason single-use diapers are the third largest consumer product in landfills in the United States. Often, they're the simplest, most affordable diapering option short-term. However, the health benefits and value of environmentally friendly diapers may outweigh the convenience of traditional diapers in the long run.

Here are some of the top advantages of eco-friendly diapers:

Health Benefits for Babies

Diaper experts point out that leak-proof polymers, super absorbent polymers (SAP), and fragrances in single-use diapers are associated with a range of health concerns, including chronic diaper rash, respiratory problems like asthma, and even more serious issues like male infertility and testicular cancer.

Furthermore, excess dyes can release toxins harmful to our health and ecosystems after being discarded. These toxins leak into landfills or form volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dioxins if incinerated.

Sustainable cloth diapers and hypoallergenic disposable diapers may prevent diaper rash, as they're typically made without plastics and dyes. Instead, they use ingredients that offer the same performance without cutting corners to lower the price tag, making them safer for your baby's health and healthier for the planet.

Cost Considerations

Because babies go through so many diapers before they're potty trained, cloth diapering is the most cost-effective option in the long run, especially if you have a washing machine at home. However, as a company founded by working parents, we know that cloth diapers are not a sustainable option for everyone.

Because sustainable single-use diapers use higher-quality ingredients, they may initially be more expensive than traditional disposable diapers, but bulk purchases and long-term health benefits can help you save money in the long run. 

Environmentally Low-Impact

Eco-designs and circular business models have taken leaps toward reducing the environmental burden of baby diapers. Unlike traditional diapers that linger in landfills for centuries, sustainable diapers break down more efficiently, reducing the long-term environmental impact. This means less pollution and a healthier planet for future generations.

Moreover, the production process of sustainable diapers tends to be more environmentally friendly. Many brands prioritize using renewable resources and adopt eco-friendly manufacturing practices, contributing to a lower overall carbon footprint. Transportation is another key aspect; with a focus on local sourcing and production, sustainable diapers often require less energy and resources from production facilities to reach consumers.

Even without cloth diapering, parents can actively contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future by choosing diapers made from responsibly sourced materials that employ innovative design.

Performance and Absorption

Eco-friendly diapers have come a long way in performance, especially in absorbency and leak protection. Many of these diapers are now designed with advanced, plant-based materials that provide a high absorbency comparable to, sometimes even surpassing, the synthetic materials found in popular conventional brands. These materials effectively wick away moisture and tend to be gentler on a baby's sensitive skin.

In addition to their powerful absorbency, these diapers are often equipped with superior leak guards and elasticized waistbands to ensure a snug fit, minimizing the risk of leaks during daytime and night use. The adjustable features on many modern cloth diapers offer a similarly snug and protective fit.

While popular conventional diaper brands have long dominated the market, advancements in technology and consumer awareness continue to evolve eco-friendly diapers into a formidable contender in the landscape of diaper performance.

Tips for a Sustainable Diaper Routine 

While eco-friendly diapers are made from more sustainable materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, the extent of their eco-friendly nature may ultimately depend on your diaper routine.

Here are some tips on how to create a sustainable diaper routine to minimize your environmental impact:

• Minimize your waste by rinsing with water: Whether cloth or disposable, if the diaper is only soiled with urine, try cleansing it with warm water or a gentle diaper wipe to protect your baby's skin without throwing it away or putting it in the wash. This practice is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
• Compliment sustainable diapers with eco-friendly products: When it comes to diaper care, there's a range of organic, plant-based, and chemical-free products available to complement eco-friendly diapers. From wipes to rash creams, choosing items with natural ingredients aligns with the sustainability ethos. These products provide gentle care for your baby and contribute to a more environmentally conscious parenting routine.
• Protect your eco-conscious choices by packing backups: This helps avoid last-minute, potentially non-sustainable diaper purchases in emergency situations. By planning ahead, you maintain the integrity of your environmentally conscious choices, even during unexpected moments.
• Consider energy-saving tips in your daily routine: Unplug devices like diaper warmers, noise machines, or other electronic products when not in use. This simple step reduces energy consumption and saves on electricity costs.

Small adjustments collectively make a significant impact, aligning your parenting practices with a commitment to both your baby's health and the planet’s well-being.

Why Choose VeryVery’s Eco-Friendly Diapers

If you're looking for an affordable, eco-friendly diaper that doesn't compromise on performance or convenience, consider VeryVery diapers.

As a company comprised of parents and caregivers, we know the importance of effective diapers. VeryVery diapers provide up to 12 hours of absorbency and leak-proof protection to not only keep your baby comfortable but also offer peace of mind during those busy days.

Concerned about sensitive skin? We've got you. VeryVery diapers are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. We prioritize the safety and comfort of your little one, ensuring our diapers are gentle on even the most delicate skin.

Our dedication to sustainability shows in every aspect of our production. VeryVery diapers are GMO-free and crafted using renewable energies, cashmere-soft cotton, and materials sourced from FSC-certified forests. To further reduce our environmental impact, we use 40% recycled plastic bags for our packaging.

We're so confident in the quality of our diapers that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If our diaper doesn't quite match your baby's needs, we're committed to finding the right option. We offer a store credit for a free trial box, and if we can't find the perfect fit, we'll give you a full refund.

Making the right decision for the planet and future generations shouldn't be a struggle. We believe that sustainable solutions should be sustainable not just for the environment but also for your lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

We believe we have not just the best eco-friendly diapers but the best all-around diapers on the market. However, we also know that every family has their own unique needs. At the end of the day, whether or not eco-friendly diapers are actually better will depend on a variety of factors, like brand, lifestyle needs, and your personal diaper routine.

That said, the health, quality, and environmental benefits of eco-friendly diapers, such as cleaner ingredients, gentler materials, and sustainable manufacturing, make a strong case for replacing conventional diapers with reusable or biodegradable alternatives. It may be a small change that, collectively, makes a big difference for our planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still curious about the difference between eco-friendly and conventional diapers? Here are some answers to common questions:

Are eco-friendly diapers as absorbent as traditional diapers?

Yes, many eco-friendly diapers are designed to be just as absorbent as their traditional counterparts. They often incorporate advanced, plant-based materials that efficiently wick away moisture, providing reliable protection against leaks.

How are eco-friendly diapers more sustainable than conventional ones?

Eco-friendly diapers typically use materials sourced from renewable resources, such as cotton, bamboo, or corn. Additionally, they may incorporate recycled materials or be reusable themselves. 

Beyond their materials, their production processes often prioritize energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprints, contributing to a lower environmental impact than conventional diapers.

Are eco-friendly diapers biodegradable?

Many eco-friendly diapers are biodegradable to some extent. They are designed to break down more easily than traditional diapers, which can take centuries to decompose. Look for products that explicitly mention biodegradability and eco-friendly disposal options.

Are there any potential allergens in eco-friendly diapers?

Most reputable, eco-friendly diaper brands strive to be hypoallergenic by avoiding harsh chemicals, fragrances, and other potential irritants. However, it's crucial to check the product details and ingredient list to ensure they meet your baby's specific needs, especially if they have sensitive skin.

How do the costs of eco-friendly diapers compare to conventional ones?

While eco-friendly diapers may have a slightly higher upfront cost, many parents find that the long-term benefits for their baby and the environment outweigh the initial investment. Additionally, some brands offer subscription services or bulk discounts, making them more cost-effective over time.