A NAPPY initiative has been launched by a mother who wrote to the council explaining the environmental benefits of using cloth nappies.

Mum-of-three Julie Kenwright, from Amersham, who outlined the advantages to Chiltern District Council last year, launched the initiative on February 15 at the National Childbirth Trust Bumps and Babies class, in Totteridge, High Wycombe.

Julie said: "It is not really much effort at all. It is much cheaper to use real nappies. It is probably kinder to your baby and most importantly the environment."

Disposable nappies account for around four per cent of the domestic waste stream, which means that last year Buckinghamshire County Council dealt with more than 7,500 tonnes of nappy waste an estimated 28 million disposable nappies.

The aim of the initiative is to increase public awareness about waste minimisation issues, and the district councils are working together to promote the scheme.

A leaflet detailing the benefits of modern cloth nappies had been produced as part of the initiative and is available from NHS maternity hospitals, council offices, libraries and doctors' surgeries throughout the county.