Reusable Nappy Week 2025, taking place from 28 April to 4 May, is a UK-wide campaign that celebrates the many benefits of reusable nappies – from reducing household waste and saving money, to supporting earlier toilet training and building a more sustainable future.
The theme for this year, “One Change – Big Difference: Empowering Through Experience” celebrates the collective effort of the reusable nappy industry and wider community of parents and carers who have used reusable nappies. By sharing their experiences, collective knowledge and support, they help empower others to take that first step. Whether it’s advice from a cloth nappy library, tips from a retailer, or a parent simply sharing what worked for them. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being part of something bigger.
Even part-time use of reusable nappies has a meaningful impact. Families reduce their waste, protect the environment, save money and join a community that shares experiences to build confidence and connection.
Every minute, over 300,000 disposable nappies are discarded globally – ending up in landfill, incinerators, or the natural environment [1]. In the UK alone, an estimated 3.6 billion disposable nappies are thrown away annually, costing local councils over £140 million a year in waste management. Reusable nappies offer a practical, proven solution to cut waste and lower carbon emissions.
Real Nappies for London, a waste prevention project administered by Wen (Women’s Environmental Network), offers a reusable nappy voucher scheme to support London families. The voucher worth up to £70 can be used towards a set of reusable nappies or a trial nappy laundry service. It’s available to parents and foster carers with a baby under 18 months (or under 5 with a disability requiring nappies), and those expecting a child.
The scheme operates in twelve London Boroughs: Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Waltham Forest and the City of Westminster.
Alice Walker, Project Manager at Real Nappies for London, said: “At Real Nappies for London, we’re proud to help families across the capital choose reusable nappies – made possible with the support of local councils. Reusable Nappy Week is a celebration of small changes that make a big difference.
"Every parent or carer who chooses to reuse – even part-time – is helping reduce waste, save money, and make practical choices that benefit both people and the planet. This year’s theme, ‘One Change – Big Difference: Empowering Through Experience’, is a reminder that no one has to make the change alone. Through shared stories, community support, and practical advice, we can help more families feel confident in choosing reusables.”
Cllr Clyde Loakes MBE, Chair of North London Waste Authority said: “We have been proudly pushing the reusable nappy agenda, along with Real Nappies for London, for over 15 years. We’ll be supporting Reusable Nappy Week this year, encouraging parents to get curious about cloth nappies and check out our £70 nappy voucher scheme, which helps around 1,000 families to try out reusable nappies each year.
“The subsidy scheme forms part of a suite of reuse initiatives offered in north London, including money off reusable period products and our ‘Bring It’ campaign, encouraging residents to bring reusable items with them when leaving the house. These schemes are essential to the transition to a circular economy, reducing some of our most challenging and carbon-heavy waste streams.”
Throughout Reusable Nappy Week 2025, there will be a series of free educational events and online activities. From live demos to Q&As, the week will offer practical advice and energy-saving tips for washing and drying reusable nappies.
Jenni, parent from Waltham Forest, said: “Before having my children I knew I wanted to give reusable nappies a go. I try to reduce my environmental impact where possible and reusable nappies seemed like an easy way to do this. The voucher scheme made it more affordable for me to start my reusable nappy collection and I was easily able to pick up more second hand and even for free at the RNfL events. I am now using reusable nappies with my second child and I feel happy knowing that not only have I saved money, I have also significantly reduced our household waste.”
Families who use reusables can save around £772 per child over 2.5 years compared to using a leading disposable brand – with even greater savings when nappies are reused for additional children [2].
Reusable Nappy Week is a time to celebrate the change-makers, the community support, and the small everyday actions that add up to a big difference. Join us this April and discover how one change can empower many.
[1] Source: UCL News (2025), Toilet Training Research to Reduce Nappy Waste
[2] Based on cost comparison between leading disposable and reusable nappy brands over 2.5 years. The Nappy Lady (2023), Do Reusable Nappies Really Save You Money
