RESEARCH shows more than 3,5 billion soiled plastic nappies are disposed of by households per year, and this has a negative impact on the environment.
In Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, mums throw these soiled disposable nappies in rivers and in open spaces where they are eaten by livestock and end up contaminating drinking water and killing animals.
However, two proactive mothers in the village are advocating for others to do things differently.
Instead of using disposable nappies which harm the environment, they are introducing the use of reusable alternatives.
They have partnered with BiddyKins as Environmental Rural Solutions to educate fellow mothers in the village on this sustainable option.
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Nomathemba Ramotsamai (21) and Amanda Kalaku discovered these reusable nappies after they became part of Environmental Rural Solutions.
Nomathemba explained that the nappies which are easy to use, and they come with towel liners and a flushable biodegradable disposable cloth.
Stacey Vermeulen, spokeswoman for Biddykins, said her company has been supplying reusable cloth nappies in the South African market since 2015.
"We have been working with Nicky McLeod and Amanda and the champions in Matatiele in bringing awareness about our products. We are hoping to grow the rural exposure to this option. The old myths of 'old-fashioned' cloth nappies will end," she said.
She said BiddyKins is also working with the champions who buy the starter sets at a reduced price and then sell them on to families in the rural areas so that they can have their own business and earn some income.
