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Nobukhosi Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
A local initiative — Bulawayo Babies has started working on encouraging the use of re-usable diapers that are ecological friendly saying disposable ones were creating a culture of littering as they could be thrown away anywhere.
The initiative started in 2015 after they realised the need to provide environmentally friendly products for babies.
The institution is working with The Malilangwe Trust, a non-profit making company based in Chiredzi.
The founder of Bulawayo Babies, Miss Tapiwa Ncube said their mandate was to provide alternative eco-friendly products to all through using re-usable diapers.
“Modern cloth nappies are safer on babies and the environment. The modern cloth nappy is re-usable and durable as it can be used on more than one occasion,” she said.
“We chose cloth for the betterment of the child, the wallet and the world. This means that; it is safe for the child to use, affordable to buy and environmentally friendly,” said Miss Ncube.
Following the environmental challenge faced countrywide, the users of disposable diapers have been failing to correctly dispose the diapers.
“The users of disposable nappies in my community are failing to correctly manage this waste as evidenced by numerous undesignated landfills full of soiled nappies, thereby polluting the environment and posing a health hazard on people and animals.
This challenge inspired me not only to facilitate access to sustainable products but to be part of the drive in raising awareness on the devastating effects of single use of plastic and the importance of going cloth, like our parents did,” said Miss Ncube.
“Nappies are an inescapable necessity of early childhood. However, not everything is perfect in any way.
The re-usable cloth nappies suck up energy and water through constant washing and drying, plus they are messy and time consuming,” she proclaimed.
She said more needed to be done as part of awareness campaigns aimed at educating mothers on the ill effects of disposable diapers on the environment so that they do not just throw them anywhere or through the windows when they are travelling.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu