New parents in Denmark will be gifted a cloth nappy to help keep single-use nappies out of landfill

New parents in Denmark will receive one cloth nappy for their newborn through a new initiative which aims to encourage families to reduce the amount of disposable diapers going to landfill.

The Shire of Denmark, WA Country Health Service and community group Plastic Reduction Denmark have joined forces to launch the cloth nappy initiative.

The parents of each newborn Denmark resident will receive one handmade cloth nappy along with information about the benefits of using the green alternative at their two week post-natal visit with a WACHS child health nurse.

PRD member Carolyn Oliff has been busy sewing the environmentally-friendly nappies.

She has also offered to teach community members how to sew their own nappies during the group’s busy bee events.

“More families are moving towards using cloth nappies because it doesn’t just help save the planet, but is also a saving to your pocket,” Ms Oliff said.

The project is part of the Shire’s sustainability environmental education program, which funds initiatives that encourage a change in behaviour towards more sustainable outcomes.

Shire sustainability officer Yvette Caruso said making the move towards cloth nappies, even if it was only occasionally, could make a difference.

The handmade nappies can be bought from Denmark Cottage Crafts on Mitchell Street in Denmark.

A sewing pattern for the cloth diapers is available for loan through the Denmark Public Library.