MSP demands reusable nappies rollout which could save new parents £500 per child

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An MSP is demanding the rollout of reusable nappy schemes across Scotland which could save new parents up to £500.Monica Lennon welcomed new Scottish Government plans to ramp up provision of free reusable nappies - warning expensive throwaway nappies had become “unaffordable” for many families.The Scottish Labour MSP said this had led to the national disgrace of “nappy rationing in 2024”.In its “routemap” plans to bring about a Circular Economy in Scotland, SNP-Green ministers have vowed to explore if a successful free scheme for reusable nappies in North Ayrshire could spread elsewhere.And it has commissioned research “to understand barriers to uptake” of the eco-friendly nappy alternative.Lennon said embracing reusable or cloth nappies could save Scots hundreds of pounds a year as well as slash landfill costs for councils and help the planet.In 2019, North Ayrshire Council became the first council to introduce free “birth to potty” reusable nappies for parents - with the scheme so popular there is now a waiting list.Lennon told the Record: “This is a welcome step towards reducing the cost of nappies for families in Scotland.“Throwaway nappies are unaffordable for many parents and our planet also pays a heavy price.“Under Scottish Labour and now the SNP, North Ayrshire Council has proven that making reusable nappies free not only saves families money but also helps cash-strapped councils to reduce landfill costs.“My positive and constructive talks with Lorna Slater and the Scottish Government will hopefully lead to people across Scotland being able to access reusable nappies, free at the point of need.“It’s a disgrace that terms like nappy rationing are being used in 2024.