Reusable Nappy Week 28th April to 4th May 2025
One Change – Big Difference: Empowering Through Experience
Reusable Nappy Week 2025, taking place from 28th April to 4th May, is a UK-wide campaign that celebrates the many benefits of reusable nappies – from reducing household waste and saving money, to supporting earlier toilet training and building a more sustainable future.
The theme for this year, “One Change – Big Difference: Empowering Through Experience” celebrates the collective effort of the reusable nappy industry and wider community of parents and carers who have used reusable nappies. By sharing their experiences, collective knowledge and support, they help empower others to take that first step. Whether it’s advice from a cloth nappy library, tips from a retailer, or a parent simply sharing what worked for them.
It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being part of something bigger.
Even part-time use of reusable nappies has a meaningful impact. Families reduce their waste, protect the environment, save money and join a community that shares experiences to build confidence and connection.
Every minute, over 300,000 disposable nappies are discarded globally – ending up in landfill, incinerators, or the natural environment [1]. In the UK alone, an estimated 3.6 billion disposable nappies are thrown away annually, costing local councils over £140 million a year in waste management. Reusable nappies offer a practical, proven solution to cut waste and lower carbon emissions.
Real Nappies for London, a waste prevention project administered by Wen (Women’s Environmental Network), offers a reusable nappy voucher scheme to support London families. The voucher worth up to £70 can be used towards a set of reusable nappies or a trial nappy laundry service. It’s available to parents and foster carers with a baby under 18 months (or under 5 with a disability requiring nappies), and those expecting a child.
The scheme operates in twelve London Boroughs: Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Waltham Forest and the City of Westminster.
Alice Walker, Project Manager at Real Nappies for London, said:
“At Real Nappies for London, we’re proud to help families across the capital choose reusable nappies – made possible with the support of local councils. Reusable Nappy Week is a celebration of small changes that make a big difference.
Every parent or carer who chooses to reuse – even part-time – is helping reduce waste, save money, and make practical choices that benefit both people and the planet. This year’s theme, ‘One Change – Big Difference: Empowering Through Experience’, is a reminder that no one has to make the change alone. Through shared stories, community support, and practical advice, we can help more families feel confident in choosing reusables.”
Throughout Reusable Nappy Week 2025, there will be a series of free educational events and online activities. From live demos to Q&As, the week will offer practical advice and energy-saving tips for washing and drying reusable nappies.
Jenni, a parent from London, said:
“Before having my children I knew I wanted to give reusable nappies a go. I try to reduce my environmental impact where possible and reusable nappies seemed like an easy way to do this. The voucher scheme made it more affordable for me to start my reusable nappy collection and I was easily able to pick up more second hand and even for free at the RNfL events. I am now using reusable nappies with my second child and I feel happy knowing that not only have I saved money, I have also significantly reduced our household waste.”
Families who use reusables can save around £772 per child over 2.5 years compared to using a leading disposable brand – with even greater savings when nappies are reused for additional children [2].
Reusable Nappy Week is a time to celebrate the change-makers, the community support, and the small everyday actions that add up to a big difference. Join us this April and discover how one change can empower many.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
[1] Source: UCL News (2025), Toilet Training Research to Reduce Nappy Waste
[2] Based on cost comparison between leading disposable and reusable nappy brands over 2.5 years. The Nappy Lady (2023), Do Reusable Nappies Really Save You Money
Contact:
Alice Walker, Real Nappies for London, Wen 020 3150 2023 | alice@wen.org.uk https://www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk/
Wen is the only UK charity working on issues that link health, women and other marginalised groups, equality and the environment. Since 1988 Wen has launched and run projects tackling a range of issues from air pollution to food growing, from real nappies to toxic chemicals in cosmetics. Wen takes a multi-tier approach, supporting grassroots change at the individual and community levels, as well as raising their voices in advocating for change at policy level. https://www.wen.org.uk/
