When you're taking care of a baby, you'll be changing a lot of diapers. But, which route should you go when looking for the most planet-friendly option: disposable diapers, cloth diapers, or something completely different?
Though disposable diapers are convenient, they come with a greater environmental impact than their cloth counterparts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the estimated generation of disposable diapers was 4.1 million tons in 2018. A small portion was used for combustion with energy recovery, resulting in 3.3 million tons ending up in landfills. That year, diapers accounted for 1.4% of all municipal solid waste.
Not only do disposable diapers contribute to a lot of waste, but single-use diapers take approximately 500 years to decompose. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, can be used over and over again. A study by Dufferin Research determined cloth diapers are often made from cotton and hemp, while single-use diapers are made from wood, petroleum, and chlorine. The materials in disposable diapers release more toxic gases, such as dioxin and TBT.
Though cloth diapers need to be washed in hot water after every use, resulting in higher water usage, the impact of disposables is much worse. From the time a baby is born to when they're potty-trained, they may use 15 to 25 cloth diapers, whereas a baby using disposables may go through 5,000 to 7,500. Both types of diapers do eventually leave an impact on the environment, but cloth is the better choice if you're looking to decrease the number of diapers that end up in landfills each year.
Taking care of a baby is already time-consuming, so if you aren't ready to make the switch to reusable diapers, don't worry. There are still disposable options that are better for the environment than your average diaper, and we have some top picks in each category below.
5 Eco-Friendly Diapers to Try
1. Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are one of the most popular sustainable options. Rather than ending up in a landfill like their disposable counterparts, cloth diapers can be washed and reused.
Many cloth diapers use organic materials like organic cotton, which reduces your baby's chances of getting diaper rash, keeping them comfortable and happy. Once your baby outgrows them, you can keep them for future children, give them away, compost, or recycle them.
Featured in the Brightly Shop is a Reusable Cloth Diaper Starter Kit, including everything you and your baby need to stay clean, comfortable, and eco-friendly. The kit includes three reusable organic cotton Inner diapers for absorbency, one waterproof Outer diaper made of recycled plastic bottles, and a waterproof drawstring pouch for storing your dirty diapers until it's time to wash.
The kit also comes with a bag of all-natural, mineral-based washing powder and samples of Esembly’s organic Everyday Balm and Rash Relief Cream. And if you're not sure how washing reusable diapers works, don't worry! The kits come with step-by-step instructions for the best way to keep these sustainable diapers clean.
2. Compostable Diapers
If cloth diapers aren't your thing, give compostable diapers a try. Regular disposable diapers are typically made of different kinds of plastic, which makes them hard to compost. But there are some diapers out there that are made with compostable materials that are much more planet-friendly.
One thing to note: Just because some diaper brands are labeled as compostable doesn't mean you can throw them directly in your compost bin. Most brands require designated facilities to be composted, which is a little less convenient. Nevertheless, compostable diapers are a great disposable option that has a smaller impact on the planet.
Our Pick: DYPER Diapers
DYPER's diapers are made from responsibly-sourced bamboo and are free of chlorine, latex, alcohol, lotions, TBT, and phthalate. But what sets them apart is their REDYPER service. Just mail away the diapers and DYPER will process and compost them for you. That way, you can sleep easy knowing they won't end up in a landfill.
3. Luxe Plant-Based Diapers
Though eco-friendly diapers may still end up in the landfill, they're made of sustainably-sourced materials—such as lyocell and bamboo—that aren't as harsh on the planet. Eco-friendly diapers offer convenience while still being a better option than well-known brands.
Our Pick: Coterie Ultra Soft Diapers
Coterie's diapers are made without parabens, lotions, dyes, VOCs, and many other additives found in traditional diapers. and are composed of 25% plant-based materials from sustainably managed forests. Coterie mentions on their website that "there are brands that use higher percentages of plant-based materials in their diapers, but they don’t hold up as well against wetness." Our founder, Laura, uses Coterie diapers when she's not cloth diapering with the Esembly system, telling us, "I tried almost every diaper out there and Coterie was the winner due to the high absorbency and it was the only disposable that didn't irritate my little one."
4. Budget Plant-Based Diapers
Though eco-friendly diapers may still end up in the landfill, they're made of sustainably-sourced materials—such as lyocell and bamboo—that aren't as harsh on the planet. Eco-friendly diapers offer convenience while still being a better option than well-known brands.
Our Pick: Thrive Market Diapers
Thrive Market's diapers are made of sustainably-farmed materials, like chlorine-free wood pulp from sustainably-managed forests. Both the inner and outer layers of each diaper are also plant-based and use fewer petroleum-based materials than leading conventional brands.
5. Big-Box Store Diapers
Sometimes cloth diapers aren't an option and you need something quick from your nearest big-box store. Though most popular brands aren't going to be the most eco-friendly picks of the bunch, some are better than others. Keep your eye out for big diaper brands that are trying to be more eco-conscious than others.
Seventh Generation's diapers are a USDA Certified Biobased Product made with sustainably-harvested, plant-based pulp. They prevent harmful toxins from entering waterways by ensuring the diapers aren't bleached or processed with any chemicals, such as chlorine. The company is also planning on being zero-waste by 2025.
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