Happy Nappy Scheme Proves Popular

Local families have given the thumbs up to the QLDC’s Happy Nappy Scheme.

The scheme, which was aimed at helping to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill each week, saw starter packs of cloth nappies with a recommended retail price of nearly $140, being offered to new and expectant parents at a subsidised price of $10.

Launched last November, the scheme proved to be an instant hit with more packs being ordered to satisfy demand. Ultimately, over 150 packs were sold.

Queenstown Lakes District Council solid waste manager Stefan Borowy said the response was extremely positive.

“We knew that schemes like this had proved popular in other areas but the amount of take up in Queenstown and Wanaka was well above what we were expecting.”

All the available packs have now been distributed and the Council plans to contact families who purchased packs in the next few months to see what effect their choices have had on waste minimisation & cost saving.

“More than 6 tonnes of disposable nappies go to the Victoria Flats landfill every week,” Mr Borowy said.

“We’re hopeful the Happy Nappy Scheme will see a reduction in that figure. It’s a win: win situation. The families who swop to cloth nappies benefit financially as they’re no longer buying disposables while the community as a whole gains with less waste being dumped thereby extending the life of our landfill.”

Mr Borowy said another evaluation would take place at the one year mark and if the scheme was found to be effective Council would be asked to include it as part of the annual budget.

“The main aim of the trial was to promote sustainable choices available to families,” he said.

“Benefits are shared amongst individuals, families, the local community and environment.

To this end we are absolutely delighted with how well received the scheme was and the feedback we’ve received.”