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Notes
Funding:
£26,861.12 from SITA Environmental Trust to launch the project.
Aims:
The scheme is promoted on the basis that it allows people to make an informed
decision when choosing nappies for their babies by introducing choice
and information on the options available. The aim is to provide information
on cotton nappies to as many parents and prospective parents of young
children in the county as possible and to offer the opportunity to trial
them as a ‘modern’ alternative to disposable nappies by promoting
the benefits. Ultimately the objective is to divert waste from landfill
sites.
Scheme History:
The scheme was initiated at the beginning of 2004 and was ‘launched’
for Real Nappy Week 2004. An information pack containing a cotton nappy
sample was sent to all Health Visitors within the county, offering talks
at group sessions (ante-natal and post-natal). Contact was made with Midwives
which secured permanent nappy display areas within the two maternity units
in the county (Nuneaton and Warwick). Surestart and the NCT There are
regular talks/demonstrations at NCT and Sure Start meetings. Nappuccino
events were also launched. With a turn-out of over 40 at the first, they
have been a great success. At least two nappuccinos per month are held.
Scheme:
The opportunity to trial a prefold or shaped cotton nappy system is offered
by means of one free sample per child. Relevant information on using cotton
nappies is also offered to parents, including contact details for local
sales and advice from Smartipants. Smartipants then offers a home demonstration.
When the contact then goes on to buy and use cotton nappies on a regular
basis, a reimbursement of £25 against the initial cost is offered
(regardless of where the nappies are purchased). Receipts and a signature
from the Health Visitor are required.
Promotion:
Full colour flyers are distributed to GP surgeries, health centres, play
centres, cafes, libraries, leisure centres, baby changing areas, etc.
This leaflet is also sent out with the cotton nappy sample. These leaflets,
Nappuccino flyers and website are all produced using a generic visual
image.
For events a display board is used with sample nappies and laminated information
sheets as well as a large banner and balloons with the ‘Cotton on!’
logo. The scheme and Nappuccinos are also promoted through press and radio
coverage.
Scheme Monitoring:
Full details of all enquiries for cotton nappy samples are recorded, of
which there are over 1,000 to date. The success of the scheme is also
monitored by the number of parents claiming the reimbursement.
Achievements:
So far 260 families have claimed reimbursements. The scheme continues
to raise the level of awareness at the ante-natal stage and the Nappuccinos
are promoted wherever possible to pregnant ladies.
Benefits of the Scheme for partners involved:
375 tonnes of waste has been diverted from landfill as a result of this
scheme and two part-time posts have been created at Smartipants.
Environmental Impact:
Nappuccino coffee mornings are kept as ‘local’ as possible
by selecting venues on a ‘roadshow’ basis, moving them around
the county, thus ensuring as few people as possible need to use the car
to attend any event.
Future Plans:
Should funding be secured and the project be in a position to move forward,
it is hoped that, as the scheme grows and cotton nappies become more widely
used within Warwickshire, demand would make way for the opportunity for
Smartipants to set up a ‘not for profit’ retail outlet with
an on-site nappy laundry service.
Warwickshire County Council would like to introduce more information for
ante-natal parents and Mums on the maternity ward. The introduction of
the Credit Union would be explored for the north of the county to work
with WCC and Smartipants to reach low-income prospective parents.
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