Roland Perry wrote:
In message , at 22:59:46 on Thu, 27
Dec 2007, Tim Ward remarked:

Why did you leave off "stop using disposable nappies"?

What's the carbon footprint of using "real" nappies? Lots of
detergent/disinfectant to manufacture and deliver, washing water to
clean deliver and heat, drains and sewage works to treat the waste
water, etc etc.

In the 60s my baby sister's nappies were held in a flushing toilet, if
still really messy they soaked overnight in a bucket full of bio wash,
then put into the washing machine with the rest of the washing and then
dried outside on the line.

So no worse than if a baby was physically able to use a loo itself like
anyone else. Most disposable nappies have some sort of waterproof layer
incorporated and so don't rot down for many years.