Washing cloth diapers at home uses 50-70 gal. Wastewater from washing cloth diapers is relatively benign while the wastewater from pulp, paper and plastics contain solvents, sludge, heavy metals, unreacted polymers, dioxins and furans. The potential environmental impacts of the disposal of these materials are considerable. Although cloth diaper use also emits air pollution, the air pollution from the manufacture of disposables is far more noxious. Pulp bleaching emits dioxins and furans into the air, as does incineration.
Incineration often produces toxic air emissions and toxic ash.
Being informed and including environmental considerations into our decision making is essential to preserving a healthy earth for future generations.