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Parents have expressed their fury after a statement from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that wet wipes would be among the “avoidable plastic waste” it aims to tackle as part of its environmental plan over the next 25 years.
Why eliminate wet wipes?
Wipes are a huge component of those great big minging ‘fat bergs’ that are responsible for blocking the sewerage system – they’ve also changed the shape of the River Thames, as well as wreaking havoc for marine life! Too many people flush non-flushable wet wipes down the toilet, resulting in this environmental chaos.
Despite this, scores of mummies & daddies have expressed their outrage at the prospect on social media…
“Never thought I could be this angry over them wanting to ban wet wipes in the UK,”
“Mate, have you tried wiping a baby’s bum with a tissue?”
“As a parent I can tell you that is a god awful idea,”
“Wet wipes are literally god’s gift to the world they work on everything.”
Lots of comments pointed out that not everyone is irresponsible enough to flush them, and that it is potentially unfair to impose a ban on all for the mistakes of some.
#wetwipes In the news "wet wipes to be phased out" due to creation of fatbergs etc. I have two children and have never flushed a baby wipe or anything like it. People…
— J Swinburne #FBPE (@CondurJ) May 8, 2018
Essential item for new mums though – in fact for most of us! If only people wouldn't flush them down the loo… There must be a good biodegradable brand? #wetwipes #plastic https://t.co/CsidVlZHjn pic.twitter.com/VW8D4pJdlW
— Julia Margo (@jules_margo) May 8, 2018
So, it goes without saying that there is now a market niche for reliable and affordable biodegradable baby wipes… if these are immune from the potential ban!
Reusable baby wipes may be a good option – I’ve mentioned them in my blog on reusable nappies and wipes here. A ban may not be ideal for all who rely upon disposable wet wipes, but there is always a plan B!
Tell me your thoughts on this potential phasing out of wet wipes in the comments…
Love from Katie. Xx
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