Washable nappies at the heart of the eco crèche project – An inclusive, universal and economical solution

Article by Zero Waste Belgium (ERIC Project)

Every year, 1.5 million disposable nappies are generated in the municipal crèches of the city of Brussels. In a world where resource management and waste reduction are becoming essential, the municipality has decided to make a commitment through its eco crèche project. This innovative model incorporates concrete measures to address environmental, social and health issues. Among these initiatives, the switch to washable nappies is an inclusive, universal and cost-effective solution that benefits everyone involved.

Eco crèches: concrete measures for a global impact

The eco crèche concept aims to reconcile sustainability and quality of life, at no extra cost to parents. In addition to the use of washable nappies, eco crèches implement a number of ecological and responsible measures: tap or returnable bottled water, sustainable food, durable plastic-free tableware and feeding bottles, the use of environmentally-friendly and health-friendly cleaning products, and compulsory waste sorting.

At Zero Waste Belgium, we had the chance to be able to talk to Bénédicte Hubinon, the project manager in the Early Childhood Department of the City of Brussels. She told us all about the origins of the project and how this transition to reusable nappies in municipal crèches is working in practice, a first in the Brussels-Capital region. We have set out the best practices put in place by the City of Brussels in this practical sheet (in English, French and Dutch) thanks to the support of Zero Waste Europe’s Elevating Reuse in Cities (ERIC) project.

The figures speak for themselves: a baby uses around 4,000 nappies before becoming potty-trained. With 1,700 children attending Brussels’ 40 local authority crèches every year, this used to represent 242 tonnes of incinerated waste and significant CO2 emissions. By adopting washable nappies, the City of Brussels is helping to avoid 1400 tonnes of CO2 emissions over 4 to 6 years, while drastically reducing the amount of waste produced. The City of Brussels is counting on this transition to save up to €80,000 a year on waste collection.

Bénédicte Hubinon also explains that we could go even further in the circular resources management by replacing the few disposable nappies still in use with compostable ones. In particular, she is working with Poopeedo, an association specialising in dry toilets, to explore ecological solutions that would complement washable nappies and make logistics easier for parents. Tests on compostable nappies are already underway in some countries. This is the case in some French crèches. However, a major obstacle to their adoption in Belgium is the legal ban on composting human faeces. Despite this constraint, Bénédicte and Poopeedo are continuing to study sustainable alternatives to take this approach even further.

The eco crèches project is not limited to environmental benefits. It includes raising parents’ awareness of responsible practices from the moment they enrol their children. This educational approach fosters a collective awareness of sustainability issues and actively involves families in global change.

We don’t often think about it, but washable nappies offer an equally inclusive solution for modern parenting. They can be integrated into the daily lives of parents, without any extra effort or financial impact. The logistical management (collection, cleaning and redistribution) is handled by Snappies, a local service provider who manages the hire, cleaning and delivery of the nappies. The daily fee paid by parents remains the same as for disposable nappies, guaranteeing financial fairness.

Reusable nappies, made from Oeko-Tex-certified organic cotton, are hypoallergenic, reduce irritation and reduce the need for diaper creams, improving the health and well-being of all babies. As the chemicals contained in some disposable nappies are eliminated, reusable nappies contribute to a healthier environment for both children and the planet. To ensure their smooth adoption, training courses and awareness-raising activities on the use of reusable nappies and on the overall ecological approach of eco crèches provide essential support and empower the staff.

Conclusion

The eco crèche model, with washable nappies as its central pillar, is a perfect example of how municipalities can drive significant transformations toward  environmental transition. By adopting reusable and sustainable solutions such as washable nappies, towns demonstrate that local actions can generate positive impacts on a larger scale.

This approach in childcare facilities proves that the ecological transition can be accessible, inclusive and financially viable, while meeting the practical needs of children, parents and the crèche employees. By integrating sustainable practices from early childhood onwards, eco crèches not only reduce their environmental footprint, but also promote social inclusion, improve the health of the young children and support a more responsible economic model.

Municipalities play a crucial role in driving these changes. By  existing systems, they can reduce waste and CO2 emissions while inspiring other communities to follow their example. This model proves that local actions can have a global impact, laying the foundations for a future where environment, health and social equity come together for the well-being of all.