Mon. Dec 23rd, 2024

Nearly all of us at one time will use wet wipes -they are so darn useful and handy. But and there is always a big but with disposable items: Wipes can find their way into oceans and along with other types of plastic pollution, they can cause long-term problems for sea creatures and the marine environment. Wet wipes made up more than 90% of the material causing sewer blockages? that Water UK investigated in 2017.

Friends of the Earth commissioned a report from research group Eunomia, Reducing Household Contributions to Marine Plastic Pollution [PDF]. This reveals our everyday habits that result in all sorts of plastics getting into our seas. Sometimes from seemingly unlikely sources, such as wet wipes.

If like thousands of other parents, you’ve watched BBC One’s ‘War on Plastics’and discovered the astonishing truth that 90% of wet wipes actually contain plastic, it may have made you stop and think before reaching for your next pack.

From baby wipes and cleaning wipes, to screen wipes and makeup wipes, the vast majority are made using plastic based materials that will take over 100 years to biodegrade – during which time, they will have massively contributed to our increasing climate crisis.

This revelation has been a huge shock to many parents, especially those who felt they were clued up on recycling and plastic use.

That’s why hundreds of parents are now choosing to switch to Aqua Wipes. Aqua Wipes are completely plastic free and contain 99.6 per cent purified water with an organic Aloe Vera extract formulation.

They are also 100% biodegradable* because they are made from a sustainable material, which will completely break down when disposed of correctly. They are used by special care baby units, neonatal and maternity departments across the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and registered with the Vegan Society.

Offering parents an environmentally friendly alternative to normal wipes, Aqua Wipes are not only better for the environment, they are specifically created for a newborn baby’s delicate skin.

Parents looking for these award winning, eco-friendly and fully biodegradable wet wipes can now purchase Aqua Wipes from Superdrug, Boots (Single Packs – Only £2 until 16th July/ Value Bags – Only £7.50 until 16th July), Day Lewis and Lloyds, plus leading online retailer www.ocado.com/aquawipes  Single packs – 2 for £4 until 16th July and Amazon

*Aqua Wipes are 100 per cent biodegradable, but not flushable

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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