Refuse to use disposable nappies, says a council keen to cut down on household waste.

Each baby wears 4,000 nappies which can take up to 500 years to decompose and North Yorkshire County Council is backing Real Nappy Week, which starts on Monday.

Modern reusable nappies are cheap, convenient and are easy to use, claims the council. "A family can do their bit for the environment by using real nappies and save money as well," said Ken Moody, head of waste management.

The new-style nappies are smaller, dry more quickly, no longer need pins and have dispensed with the infamous terry towelling in favour of a new washable cotton pad.

Updated: 11:50 Thursday, April 19, 2001