WET WIPES ARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT: WHAT ALTERNATIVES DO WE HAVE?

I confess fortunate to be able to walk along the seashore at dawn, enjoying the beach just for me. And if that privilege is framed in a dreamlike environment like that of my land, Asturias, the image is totally idyllic.

But not always. Only a few days ago, when we had rough tide, my feet were hooked with dozens of single-use wipes that had reached the shore. And I panicked, as on other occasions: we are destroying the environment by our unconsciousness and I thought I had to do something.

So when I learned that the so-called 'sewer monster' had clogged the sewer of Cádiz, I felt the need to write about the dangers of flushing all types of wet wipes and proposing alternatives that are more ecological and equally effective, to take care of the hygiene of our children.

They are not paper

As our partners at Magnet explain, wet wipes are not made of paper, but of a textile fabric composed (among other things) of polyester and cotton, with cellulose fibers (paper), moistened with cleaning materials such as glycerin . That implies that they are more similar to plastic and textiles than paper.

So they are not biodegradable and take about 600 years to disappear if they reach the natural environment. In addition, as they are composed of microplastics, one of the main enemies of the seas and oceans where they become consumed by marine animals and end up entering the food chain.

Therefore, although surely none of us can think of throwing a single-use wet baby wipe down the toilet, we continue to use them for the hygiene of our children. In fact, they are one of the most used products because They are very practical and comfortable, but cause a serious impact on the environment and they have a great economic cost, which ultimately affects all of us.

And the wet wipes for the WC?

The only difference in composition between these and those of baby, is that those classified as for the WC, have a higher content in cellulose (paper), in the same type of textile. Therefore, they can not be thrown into the toilet and must go directly to the bin.

In Babies and more Wet wipes should not be thrown into the toilet, even if advertising says they are like toilet paper

Also the reports of the OCU, after studying several brands of wet toilet paper, warn that none of them is biodegradable and that against deceptive advertisements, They do not disintegrate with the movement of water.

The dangers of the 'sewer monster'

Magnet explains that this type of wipes dissolves, at most, in 26%, creating a tangle of indissoluble tissue that can cause significant jams, retention of biological materials and other problems.

For this reason, the Spanish Association of Water and Sanitation (AEAS), together with the International Group of Water Services Operators, have developed an international guide for recommendations to identify products that are disposable by the toilet and thus fight against what they call 'sewer monster' worldwide.

The highest responsible for water worldwide establish that the toilet is not a garbage can and only supports products that:

It fragments quickly into pieces.
Do not float.
They do not contain plastics or similar products that do not easily degrade in natural environments.

They advocate the elimination of single-use hygienic items, used in the bathroom, because they contain plastic It can be harmful to the marine environment.

This is a problem that, according to Europa Press, costs European citizens 1,000 million euros a year.

And it is that when you throw a wipe into the toilet, it goes down the conduits through which the water flows to the boxes, tanks that are used to connect pipes and They begin to accumulate and get stuck right here in the neighborhood community.

Those that do not get trapped, continue to the sewage pumping stations (which drive the water to the sewage treatment plants) and many of them remain attached to the bombs hindering the passage to other waste, forcing to make extra periodic cleaning.

While, others reach the same treatment plants, and get stuck in the filters, preventing the passage of water, which causes untreated wastewater to reach the rivers and the sea, with the consequent environmental damage that this implies.

Alternatives to wet wipes

Soap and water

It is the simplest and, of course, the most effective option. In fact, it is how he recommends the Spanish Association of Pediatrics that is done in the diaper change. Remember that the soap must be pH neutral.

You can also use a damp cotton pad or a sponge with soap and water to clean your baby's ass. Or as simply as possible, clean your baby's bottom under the water tap.

If you opt for the sponge, you have to clean it with cold water after each use and, once a day, with hot water and soap. To disinfect the sponge, simply put it inside the washing machine.

Cloth wipes

Reusable, you can buy them or even make them at home. They are usually made of cotton velvet on one side (to clean) and soft microfiber on the other (to dry).

They are comfortable to use outside the house, since you only need to wear them moistened. Another option is to bring a sprayer with water to spray if necessary.

Paper towels or tissues

They are disposable and biodegradable, so they become an ecological alternative, especially in the street. Better opt for those without perfume.

Dry cotton wipes

Similar to paper towels, but a little thicker and softer. They are made of 100% natural and high quality cotton fiber. Unlike the polyester with which most wet wipes are made, cotton is a biodegradable and renewable material, softer, absorbent and resistant.

The toilet paper

It easily disintegrates and is found in all homes, schools and public toilets. Until the invention of wet paper, it was the most used alternative for children's hygiene.

We have to teach our children to clean themselves with him, just as our parents taught us before. By the way: recycled paper is greener.

In Babies and more Essential hygiene habits for the baby

Bidet

We can teach young children to use it to clean themselves well. There are even for babies. And if our bathroom does not have it, the shower is another option when necessary.

Avoid using wet wipes whenever possible, reserving them only in 'emergency cases', for when you are away from home and, if you have to use them, always throw them in the trash, not the toilet.

In addition to damaging the environment, remember that they contain chemicals that can damage your baby's skin and increase the risk of allergies.

Photos | iStock