Boring disposable nappies were ditched in favour of funky designs and colours at Islington's Real Nappy Fashion Show, March 14 2007.<br><br>The event - held jointly by Islington and Hackney Councils - was the culmination of Real Nappy Week which saw events and promotions to encourage parents of newborns to choose reusable terry cloth nappies over disposables. <br><br>Disposable nappies are made with paper pulp and plastic and their production and disposal is bad for the environment. Reusable nappies are machine washable at 60 degrees.<br><br>Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, Islington Council said: "Islington residents send over a million disposable nappies to landfill each year but there is a greener choice.<br> <br>"Using reusable nappies can save you money too because babies need only 20-30 real nappies from birth to potty as opposed to over 13,000 disposables over the same period.<br> <br>"Islington residents are doing a great job with recycling - if they close reusable nappies too they could help us make the borough one of the greenest in London."<br><br>Over 30 mini models toddled down the catwalk showing off their fashionable real cloth nappies at Islington's Real Nappy Fashion Show last week. <br><br>Mother Jennifer Davie of N1 said: "We chose real nappies for environmental reasons - we didn't like the thought of disposables going to landfill. We are really delighted with the real nappies. They're comfortable, chemical free and they're easy to use. I'd certainly recommend them to other mothers."<br><br>Reusable nappies are back in fashion now they've been given a funky twist. Today's nappy is so different from the terry towelling and safety pins of old. Parents can choose from a wide variety of trendy styles from electrifying shades to cool pastels, leopard print to gingham, floral to classic white.<br><br>With velcro fastenings, they're easy to use and unlike disposables don't contain any chemicals to increase absorbency. Cotton is also a natural fabric, and because it's breathable it's good for baby's skin.<br><br>Islington Council provides a £54 subsidy for those buying real cloth nappies or signing up with a nappy laundry service.<br><br>Ends<br><br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009