The UK has an answer to this very HUMONGOUS problem.

“Having a child can be the most rewarding experience that a young couple can have, but there are many responsibilities and decisions that go along with raising a child.  One of the first decisions that new parents must make is what kind of diapers their child will wear.  Diapers have gone through many transformations since being introduced, from the cloth variety of the past to the newest biodegradable disposables.  Each kind of diaper has various drawbacks, with the cloth variety being expensive and inconvenient to maintain, while disposables can be costly to both the pocketbook and the environment.  Recently an announcement was made which will change the way the parents approach diapering their child.

Because of the convenience that the offer, as well as the fact that they are cheaper and easier to find than biodegradables, standard disposable diapers are the ones most chosen by parents.  This has led to diapers being one of the largest contributors to the world’s landfills, and a major bane in the side of environmental groups.  This may change soon after an announcement by Versus Energy and Knowaste, who have teamed to create the world’s first diaper recycling plant in the United Kingdom.  The plant aims to literally take waste and turn it into energy.

This plant will not only keep disposable diapers out of landfills, but will use their organic contents to create energy.  The diapers will first be shredded, then washed, sanitized, and then separated into reusable plastic and paper pulp, and organic material.  The recycled plastic and paper pulp can be made into a variety of things, while the organic material can be used to generate energy.”

-This was found at this site.

Isn’t this awesome!!!!!!!

How can we get this done in the States? Any one have any suggestions?

-Sheri

Our family uses Preserve toothbrushes. We have since the company started in 1996. I love that my toothbrush is recycled into other products, not into waste. These products can then be recycled if you want. They don’t contain BPA and are super cool! Here are a few things about Preserve I didn’t know, and maybe you didn’t either:

They have adorable kids toothbrushes, Preserve Jr. (which my grand daughter will now be receiving in the mail). These toothbrushes can be mailed back just like the adult ones but they have endangered species on them helping to educate children about our endangered animals.

Preserve’s Gimme 5 program, where you can send them your #5 plastics to be recycled, or drop them off at participating Whole Foods markets, also recycle Brita water filters. In January they will be starting a Retail Gimme5 program where you can drop off your used #5′s at no cost.

Their products make great stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and alternatives to your “bad” plastic storage, cutting boards, toothbrushes, razors, measuring cups and mixing bowls.

Preserve’s manufacturing process saves the planet these resources:

How much of a difference? Preserve plastic requires: