Cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product rebates are being successfully trialed and rolled out by Local Councils across Australia,  including in our neighbouring councils: City of Casey and Cardinia Shire.

These rebates recognise the benefits of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products while making them accessible for the community.

I am starting this petition to show Baw Baw Shire Council that residents in the community would like access to a rebate for cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products.

What is a cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product rebate?

A household can receive up to fifty percent of the purchase back on new and secondhand items with proof of receipt to a limit of $150. These reusable items can include:

Cloth nappies (all ages)
Reusable Swim nappies
Cloth nappy liners and inserts
Cloth wipes
Wet bags
Nursing breast pads
Cloth menstrual and incontinence pads
Menstrual cups
Period underwear
Period wet bags
The initial financial outlay for reusable products can be a barrier for some. Rebates help ease costs while also reducing social stigmas around these items.

Just 12 Australian councils currently offer financial incentives to residents who purchase the environmentally friendly alternatives, including Casey, Wyndham, Cardinia Shire and Mornington Peninsula.

Less nappies and pads in our bins is a win for locals, a win for the Baw Baw Shire waste collection services and a win for the environment. 

Why cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products are worth considering:

They reduce waste to landfill (children alone need between 6,000 to 7,000 nappies and women use 12,000 pads and tampons throughout their life)
Nappies, pads and tampons don't break down properly in landfill
Can help save up $3000 on nappies from birth to toilet training and up to $100 each year on menstrual items
Some reusable menstrual items will last for up to 10 years
More environmentally friendly, especially if items like nappies are sold on
Less plastic (did you know the average menstrual pad can contain up to 5 plastic bags within the pad itself! Including the packaging, it's a lot of plastic!)
Less harmful chemicals
Never risk running out, meaning less visits to the shops

*Only residents within the Baw Baw Shire are encouraged to sign this petition.