The baby boom brings excitement to parents and those around them as the sign of vitality and expansion of global progeny. Global population is currently 7 billion people and estimated to grow to 9 billion people by the year 2050. All of us at some point went through the diapers and nappies stage as part of our stages of development in life. However, diapers are associated with significant environmental pollution and generate solid waste
Countries across the world are being encouraged to develop ways in which to make diapers not become a menace to society as well as a global health risk. Disposable diapers although they serve a convenient purpose, they can be a menace to municipalities and communities if they are not properly managed. In some cases these diapers are being burnt at uncontrolled dumpsites.
Diapers can generate ozone depleting substances during their decomposition processes. The main concerns have been due to the generation of plastic waste which is a key material in the modern day diapers. Traditional mothers in a few decades ago, used to have reusable or washable nappies. However due to hygienic concerns and global innovation, disposable ones have become more popular in many countries.
There is a serious risk of environmental contamination as a result of faecal matter. This unsavoury reality also brings to the fore the possibility of groundwater being contaminated.
Emergence of alternatives include the following:
- Washable cloth nappies
- Biodegradable diapers
The reusable diapers also come with their cost to the environment including a high water and carbon footprint. As manufacturers and researchers battle to come up with sustainable options, it is essential to ensure that those who currently use diapers, dispose them in an environmentally friendly manner.
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Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including:
1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency
2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field
3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems
4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series
5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front
Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship.
His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives.
A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.
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