We all know that once you have kids messes are made all the time. Almost every 2.5 seconds it seems. There is more trash than you ever thought possible leaving your home. If you own a diaper genie or some other stink holder then you know that the trash you put out more than doubles once that cute bundle arrives. It is like the diapers are having diapers inside that contraption. Diapers that clog our landfills and linger for years to come.
When Dana Hackley had her son this past year the diaper consumption started ringing bells. There must be something we can do, she thought. There must be a better way that doesn’t involve those cloth diapers. Because really? We aren’t all cut out for the washing of the poo.
Then Dana made a video and entered it on Ziddio. That video, Not So Disposable, made it into the Green Your Routine contest put on by Ziddio. Guess what happened then. Yes, Dana became involved in finding alternatives for all those stinky messes but her other baby? That short video? It won her a 2008 Global Green Academy Award.
I discussed this wonderful turn of events with Dana recently and learned all about how Not So Disposable was created and about her compelling message. The fact that she was my college roommate and a bridesmaid in my wedding only makes me gush and squeal just that much more.
So Dana, what made you do this? How did you find out about the contest?I received an email, probably spam, that I was about to delete. However, I always encourage my students at Robert Morris University to enter video contests, so I figured I should probably lead by example and keep my editing skills sharp. Also, the idea of recycling diapers just kind of popped into my head like a light bulb moment so I began doing research to find out if anyone was currently doing it and if it (recycling diapers) was at all possible.
How did you find out you won?
I received a letter from the marketing company facilitating the contest that I was the potential winner. I had to sign an affidavit that the work was completely original and then I received another letter telling me I had won.
How long did the making of it take you?
It was only a 30-second PSA type video but because I used my own equipment and I have a job plus a child it took a few weeks. I worked on it whenever I had a free moment.
Since making the video have, you researched alternatives for using something other than disposable diapers.
Yes, I was interested in the diapers with a throw away lining, but it seems to me my child would outgrow the outer portion quickly, which would be costly. Plus, what is the chance that the waste stays in the throw away liner long enough to get it to the toilet to flush? Also, I would be interested in looking into grant opportunities to persuade the county to recycle diapers like the pilot program that took place in Santa Clarita, CA a few years back. I just do not know if I would have the backing but I am seriously making an attempt.
Can you offer any advice on a good alternative or what else parents can do to eliminate such waste?
Well, if they have the tolerance they can try the diapers with the flushable lining. Otherwise, I would say write your state and local legislators, there is no good reason why we are not already recycling diapers alongside plastic bottles.
What are some of the things you do to ‘green your routine’?I am probably not the best representation, but I do try to do small things like turn lights out and not let the water run. Pittsburgh (where she lives) requires households to recycle plastic. If I had the money, I would buy a hybrid vehicle in a heartbeat. It just seems to me cities would greatly benefit by offering a program where diapers are put curbside with the plastic bottles. We have the technology to recycle it, so why don’t we? A company called Knowaste has recycled diapers into plastic wood, roof shingles and vinyl wood siding. It is not a stretch of the imagination.
Do you think having a child has made you more conscious of your impact/footprint on the world?
I have always felt we were abusing the earth but never really took a proactive role. Now, that I do have a child I feel like I would do anything to make the world a better place. It sounds cliché, but I want my child to have the best of both worlds. I want him to experience the luxury of new technology but tempered with the natural beauty of the earth. I would be sad if there comes a day when children do not climb trees and play in the mud because they are too busy playing video games or the environment is not safe for them.
Have you had any additional press on this win?
Robert Morris University’s student newspaper has written an article that will come out tomorrow. I am sure the company hosting the contest will send out press releases, but since I just found out, I won and had to mail back the paperwork I am sure they have not had a chance.
For more facts about the waste that disposable diapers really produce you can visit this site and get solutions here.
And now… drumroll please…. the winning video- Not So Disposable by Dana Hackley.
