LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT ON REUSABLE AND DISPOSABLE NAPPIES

Early day motion 155, tabled 19 May 2005 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 46 members.

That this House notes with disappointment the Environment Agency's recent flawed Life Cycle Assessment on reusable and disposable nappies which incorrectly concludes that there is no environmental difference between the two products; observes that the report fails to acknowledge the current consumer characteristics and product data for reusable nappies and that the methodology and surveying used distorted the market share of reusables and excluded certain types of reusable nappies; regrets that the report fails to recognise the very substantial additional financial and environmental costs incurred through the continued disposal of nappies, which constitute 2.6 per cent. of all household waste that goes to landfill; believes that it is very unhelpful to send out the message that the disposal of one-trip products is somehow environmentally acceptable; and calls on the Government to develop effective strategies for promoting the continued uptake of re-usable nappies by new mothers.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 21, Labour 19, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1.