Reusable Nappies Week

That this House congratulates all those involved with Reusable Nappies Week 2021; notes with concern the average plastic consumption of single-use nappies per child is equivalent to throwing away 17 plastic bags a day, or over 6,000 per year; acknowledges that nearly three billion nappies are thrown away annually in the UK, costing local authorities £60 million per annum for disposal; recognises that reducing reliance on single-use nappies supports the objectives of the 25 Year Environment Plan to eliminate all avoidable waste by 2050 and all avoidable plastic waste by 2042; welcomes that reusable nappies use 98 per cent fewer raw materials, generate 99 per cent less waste and can save families over £1000 if used on one or more children; further notes with interest the recent publication of the UN Environment Programme report recommending the use of reusable nappies; understands that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has commissioned a new Life Cycle Assessment on the environmental impact of single-use and reusable nappies; and calls on the Department to ensure that this is conducted thoroughly and that it is followed up with a coherent strategy to address the impact of single-use nappies.