The Honest Environmentalist: Real Nappies; The Real Truth

I have known about Real Nappies since I worked at Crawley Borough Council, some eighteen years ago now.  I championed Real Nappy Week as part of my jobs with Local Authorities.  And as such I thought I would use real nappies when I had a baby.

I did all the research.  I looked into the different services and I bought the kit.  Late 2010 my daughter was born and we used disposables….  I just wasn’t ready and I didn’t have the energy to train/argue with her Dad about why we should use them.  I uhmed and ahhed and I wanted to try them but the closest I got was putting her in them for some photographs – and they did look lovely.  I kept on thinking about them and then suddenly she was six months and I was returning to work and I didn’t have the heart to tell the childminder.  We stayed on disposables.

I know ALL the arguments as to why we should use reusables and how much better they are for the environment and for the child.  I can remember the big nappy pins my mum used – with the coloured safety ends that clipped down. I even remember the big metal pail that mum used on the hob to clean the nappies.  So why, if she could do it, couldn’t I?

I could blame the modern world, the stresses of modern-day parenting.  I could blame peer-pressure.  At the end of the day it was my decision – it was me that left the resuables in their box (and then put them into the loft).  It was me that didn’t push the idea.  Disposables were just easier.  I felt guilty at times, knowing that every single disposable nappy that has been landfilled is still there and that we (as a family) were not helping. 

So my next pregnancy came along and I didn’t even think about it.  I also didn’t build up a stock of disposables (like I did with my daughter – part of the reason why it was SO easy to use them).  I just did what was easiest and maybe even cheapest.  I was parenting two kids on my own, falling v=over two dogs and trying to play house.  Using reusable nappies just was never a consideration.

So who uses them?  The same people that use reusable sanitary pads?  Better people than me?  People that care about the environment more than me?  I really don’t know.  Is it for wealthier people, the middle classes?  Honestly I don’t know.  I just know that it didn’t work for me.  Maybe it will work for you?

LuluSLR The Honest Environmentalist

THE INFO IN BRIEF (pun intended):

In the UK we dispose of over three billion nappies every single year – around 3% of all household waste.  One baby can use up to 6,000 nappies from birth to potty trained.  In fact the average amount of waste from a family can be halved by using resusable nappies in comparison to disposables.  Real nappies are more expensive initially and need to be laundered, however a family can save up to £500 over the 2.5 year period (and even more if the nappies are used for subsequent children)

Why YOU should Hire ME

Since I updated my CV I have been told that it doesn't do me justice; and that I do not sell myself and my abilities.  I also think it shows me in a different light to the person that I am - in fact I think my infographic version is probably more "me".

So I thought I should think about the attributes that make me the kind of person that you will want on your team.

In one of my first "proper" jobs I can remember my manager describing me as "intelligent with a bubbly exterior".  And I think he hit the nail on the head.  If I look at my recommendations on LinkedIn at least four of them mention my people skills, my ability to bring out the best in my team and my networking.  Latterly I have had many positive comments on my friendliness and how customers can relate to me and trust me.  I find that having a strong relationship can lead to further business, either within that account or through recommendations.

Furthermore I have a wealth of knowledge in the waste management sector.  I have experience in all aspects from domestic though commercial and to healthcare waste and recycling.  I have worked for Local Authorities, within the Private Sector, I have been an account manager, a business development manager, a business manager, and a sales consultant, to name but a few.  I understand the sales process from the writing of specifications, answering of PQQs, attending bid meetings, writing submissions, site visits, installation and mobilisation.  I have a thorough understanding of processes and procedures, of auditing and of operations.  I am often thought of as an "expert" or (sadly) the "bin lady" - but I know what they mean.  If people are able to call me up and ask me advice or for a referral then I know I am doing something right.  And I could be the person doing that something right for your company.

I am computer literate - I can use the suite of Microsoft programmes (as it continues to grow).  I mean I can even do pivot tables!  I have experience of various CRM packages  too.  I have worked in marketing and communications and have experience of writing newsletters and press releases, I have extensive experience in social media and have written various environmental education packages, presentations and website content.

I love to train people and give presentations - to share my knowledge and help others with their understanding.  I have experience of auditing and of integrating management systems.

I enjoy finding people's pain points and finding a bespoke solution for them.  If that is sales - then I enjoy that too!

And so, finally, what are you waiting for?!

GIZZA JOB!

Who Am I?

My recent redundancy set me to thinking; and not in a "woe is me" way:  It got me wondering about where my future lies, in what profession, and in what position.  I find myself thankful for the pause, for the fact that someone else other than me, hit the eject button.  I have time to reconsider what I am doing and take stock of where I have come from.  It allows me to spend some time working out what is right for me and where I see myself going.

As a woman that seems to have gotten used to being made redundant I did the dutiful thing and updated my CV.  In fact, the last time this happened I put together a video CV, in days before vlogging it didn't include me but just a visual representation of my Curriculum Vitae.  This time I looked at my new CV; already in two versions: the classic two-pager and the infographic version.  I updated the latter and put it "out there" into the world of LinkedIn.  I haven't ventured into the world of the Agency as yet but I have perused the local cyber neighbourhood for some ideas.

When I let people know what was happening so many greeted me with words of kindness and affirmations; you will get another job; you are an intelligent woman; everything happens for a reason; maybe this is a good thing.  And do you know what I actually wanted to hear from someone, I wanted to hear someone else confirm what I was thinking "this is shit".  Because that is exactly what it is.  It is a situation I had no hand in and was not of my making.  It is something that happened to me and was a complete shock.  When someone finally said those three words I felt so much better, like someone understood, and that maybe things were going to be ok after all.  Don't get me wrong I am grateful for all those that reached out to me to show their support but I have learnt, over the years, that good honest truth is sometimes what we need to hear.

Today I reached out to an industry expert for some advice, a little mentoring, a pep-talk.  Do I want to stay in the industry I have been in for the vast majority of my working life, do I want to change direction and career, or do I take my skills into a new sector.  He helped me bring things into perspective and gave me questions to ask myself.  This blog is going to join me on my journey; please come along with me too.