Belgium/The five nurseries of the Maison Marie Immaculée association in Soignies switch to washable diapers: "1.7 tonnes less waste per year in the environment".

There are many advantages to switching to washable diapers.

The dream of switching from disposable to washable diapers has become a reality at the non-profit organization Maison Marie Immaculée. A project long in the making, washable diapers have now made their debut in the 5 MMI crèches located in Marc, Soignies, Neufvilles, Brussels and Saint-Ghislain. Thanks to the invaluable collaboration with Snappies, a company specialized in the manufacture of washable diapers, and to the adaptation of teams and families, all toddlers have been benefiting from more natural diapers since October 1.

"This measure will enable MMI to avoid throwing 1.7 tonnes of disposable diapers a year into the environment," said MMI. "New infants will therefore take the plunge as soon as they arrive at the nursery, unless they are unable to do so for medical or other reasons. A great way to gently encourage families to go green. Once again, MMI aligns itself with its values of innovation, respect and well-being, always mindful of its impact on ecology."

Benefits already appreciated in the field

For several years now, MMI's crèches have positioned themselves as pioneers in the ecological transition. "Between the ecological products that are more respectful of the environment and people, the reduction in the use of plastic, the end of single-use products and the composting of food waste, we've already come a long way. While the aim is to reduce the ecological footprint of our facilities, it's just as important to show young parents and other childcare providers that it's possible to change their habits when it comes to early childhood."

A test run at the "Les Lilliputiens" crèche in Marcq revealed the benefits of such a project. "These benefits quickly allayed any initial fears among the team: ease of use and handling, virtually no odor, constant adaptation of diaper models to the needs of each child, no hindrance to children's motor skills, total (or minute) absence of leaks after a period of adaptation for staff, no handling of waste garbage cans and above all a quality product offered to parents and children."

"To these advantages are added others with the switch of all its nurseries to washable diapers," emphasizes MMI asbl. "Less handling for nursery nurses, technical services and bursaries, time saved with children, massive reduction in waste production and lower cost of waste disposal, space saved in bursaries..."

Source: www.dhnet.be/regions/