Plea from green nappy campaigners

CAMPAIGNERS trying to reduce the amount of disposable nappies thrown away in Suffolk today revealed they are facing a crucial period.

The Suffolk Real Nappy network is due to lose much of its funding at the end of this month when the Community Recycling and Economic Development (CRED) programme comes to an end.

The programme has been sponsored by the English Wildlife Trusts and has been allocated money from the Big Lottery Fund.

Louise Gooch, environment spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council and a trustee of the Real Nappy Network, said the funding was vital for a service which runs a shop and drop-in centre in Museum Street.

She said: “With the takings from the shop we can buy the stock, pay the rent and cover our overheads.

“What we cannot do is employ full-time staff, which is absolutely vital for the network to really reach its potential.”

Over the years it is estimated that the Real Nappy Network has prevented 11,000 tonnes of disposable nappies going into landfill sites.

“It is saving the county a fortune in landfill taxes - we really do deserve support,” said Ms Gooch.

A meeting has been set up for later this month with county officials and the network has also put in its own bid for lottery funding.

At present it employs a project manager and an assistant, as well as an outreach worker who spreads the news about real nappies.

“It really does pay dividends,” said Ms Gooch. “Since we had an outreach worker going out and meeting people in pre-natal classes and spreading the word generally the amount of real nappies we have been using has shot up.

“So far this year we have saved 2,700 tonnes of landfill - that's really important for the environment.”