Globally, a heated debate has been going on regarding the contribution of humans in global warming and pollution, which is actually threatening the very existence of humans as a race. Amid all the big talk, a question arises, though insignificant when seen in the larger context: Do adult diapers contribute to our carbon footprints on the planet? Can a medical issue, like incontinence, be responsible for worsening the global warming situation?
There cannot be any straightforward reply to either of these. While the incontinence patients simply cannot do without adult diapers, it’s equally true that some amount of pollution in the form of contribution towards landfills by adult diapers is inevitable.
The primary cause of this small contribution of incontinence patients towards adding pollutants in the environment is the increasing use of disposable adult diapers. Undoubtedly, these diapers are the most convenient to use and throw! Simply unpack the container and wear the disposable adult diapers and throw them, when soiled or wet. The ease of use and comfort they afford is simply unmatched. Therefore, these diapers can’t be simply wished away.
Another option of adult diapers is cloth diapers, which can be washed and re-used a few times. Do these contribute to our carbon footprints on the Green Planet?
There is not much difference between disposable or cloth adult diapers when it comes to contribution part. Where the disposable adult diapers have enhanced absorbency, they can soak in more liquid or solid waste. Thus, minor incontinence patients with leakages of few drops can actually delay the replacement of disposable adult diapers. On the other hand, cloth adult diapers with lesser absorbency need to be replaced more often resulting in almost similar number of adult diapers being used by an average incontinence patient, irrespective of whether they use cloth or disposable adult diapers.
However, the moot question should be: is there a way to reduce carbon footprints of the incontinence patients? Certainly! If we invest more on the newer treatment techniques, and try to generate fuel out of the adult diapers waste. This has been shown by a few Japanese innovators who used the fuel from the waste produced by the adult diapers to operate generator of the incinerator. Similar efforts should be encouraged and sponsored by the governmental agencies, which aim to convert adversity into opportunity and thereby, contribute in the reduction of carbon footprints of incontinence patients.
