Why use sustainable cloth nappies and sanitary products? 
This petition is to show Litchfield Council that residents in the community would like access to a rebate for cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products.

Reusable products are initially costly and can be a barrier for some people who wish to use them. A rebate scheme would recognise the benefits of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products on reducing local landfill while making them accessible for the community.

Reusable products cost less overall and tend to be the more environmentally friendly choice.

This is especially the case when used with multiple children in the case of nappies or over a period of 3-5 years in the case of sanitary products. What makes them all the more appealing is the benefit on reducing plastic waste and the use of harmful chemicals.

To use modern cloth nappies full time on a baby, it is estimated that you need around 24 nappies with a cost of approximately $400.

For a woman to purchase reusable sanitary products such as period underwear, pads and a silicon menstrual cup the cost is approximately $500.

Benefit of the Rebate

We the undersigned hereby petition that Litchfield Council follow in the lead of other councils around Australia to offer a rebate of up to fifty percent of the purchase price back on new and secondhand items with proof of receipt to the maximum of $150. These reusable items can include:

• Cloth nappies (all ages)
• Swim nappies
• Nappy liners
• Cloth wipes
• Wet bags
• Nursing breast pads
• Cloth menstrual and incontinence pads
• Menstrual cups
• Period underwear
• Period pads

Relevance to the Litchfield Council Area 

There are 25,566 people living in the Litchfield area, 40% of which are women.

There are 1,350 couples with young children in the Litchfield Council area according to the most recent Census in 2016, comprising 17.3% of households.

All of whom would benefit from an affordable and sustainable rebate scheme that would not only reduce landfill in our area but also promote a sustainable future for our environment.

Environmental issues are increasingly at the forefront of local and national issues. Please join me in trying to make a change for the better!