Little & Brave is committed to making a difference.
In a world grappling with waste management challenges, one particular waste stream often overlooked is disposable nappies. As parents and environmentally conscientious citizens of this beautiful earth, our founders believe that sustainability and the well-being of our little ones must go hand in hand.
This is why years ago, our founders – Tahlia and Semisi Hutchison – decided to do something about the 1 million conventional disposables sent to landfills every single day in New Zealand. Appalled by the sheer volume of nappies and the centuries it takes for them to break down, they set off on a determined journey to find a solution; they recognised the environmental impact of conventional disposable nappies early on and felt a strong sense of responsibility to offer an eco-friendly alternative.
Thus came to life Little & Brave!
The Little & Brave Story
The founder couple’s journey connected them with Sue Allison-Rogers, a scientist, businesswoman, and fellow parent. Together with Sue, they spent months and months perfecting the nappies before launching Little & Brave Eco Nappies in 2018. Their goal was to provide families with an earth-friendly option that didn't compromise on effectiveness, convenience, or add hours of scrubbing poo to their already busy lives. With the effort put into building the perfect eco brand, also came to life a premium range of eco-nappies made exclusively from plants and sustainably sourced.
The Star of the Show – Eco Nappies
The result of all our founders’ research and labour resulted in the Little & Brave eco nappy. This compostable nappy is a two-part system that includes a commercially compostable eco-nappy inner, and a washable, reusable fabric snap wrap or snap pant outer. This maximises a snug, dry fit, with the added benefit of the eco-nappy inner being commercially compostable!
These nappies' ingredients are plant-based, and a definite snug fit for your little ones. In their quest to find the most sustainable ingredients, the nappies were made out of FSC-certified wood fluff pulp, corn-based PLA (instead of oil-based plastic) and a smooth cloth-feel rayon outer, also made from plants. These ingredients are easy to compost and absorb back into the earth with the right methods and are easy on soft and delicate baby skin.
Unlike traditional disposable nappies that contribute to overflowing landfills and take centuries to break down, the eco-nappy inner of Little & Brave offers a refreshing alternative. With a commercially composted inner, these nappies provide a sustainable solution and significantly reduce the overall waste impact. What sets Little & Brave apart even further is the thoughtfully chosen plant-based ingredients used in their nappies –
- FSC-Certified Wood Fluff Pulp: The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that the wood used in the production of fluff pulp comes from responsibly managed forests. These forests are managed in a way that preserves biodiversity, protects wildlife habitats, and respects the rights of indigenous communities. By using FSC-certified wood fluff pulp, Little & Brave ensures that their diapers are made from sustainably sourced materials, minimising the negative impact on forests and promoting responsible forestry practices.
- Corn-Based PLA: PLA is a bioplastic derived from corn starch. It is considered eco-friendly because it is made from renewable resources rather than fossil fuels like traditional plastics. Corn is a renewable crop that can be grown annually, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
- Plant-Derived Rayon: The rayon we use is a fabric made from cellulose fibres derived from plants, such as bamboo or eucalyptus. These plant sources are fast-growing and renewable, making rayon a more sustainable alternative to synthetic materials like polyester.
By moving away from oil-based plastics and conventional nappies and diaper ingredients, Little & Brave not only ensures a cosy and secure fit for babies but also demonstrates a commitment to minimising the consumption of non-renewable resources and reducing the ecological footprint.
Parents can provide their little ones with a diapering experience that is both comfortable and secure, while actively making a positive impact on the environment by embracing Little & Brave eco nappies. Be sure to stop by our post on The Science Behind Compostable Nappies to learn more about how our eco nappies can be composted and returned to the soil.
Opening a Commercial Composting Facility
To facilitate ease of access to a composting facility, our team decided to open their own commercial composting plant in Auckland. To date, we have successfully diverted over 100 metric tonnes of soiled nappies and organic waste from Auckland and Whangarei landfills.
By opening our own commercial composting plant we have been able to ‘close the loop’ in our biggest city, and help Kiwi families make a world-changing decision that doesn’t change their already busy lives.
Commitment to Circular Systems
Our commitment to circular systems is at the core of all that we do. Every step we take from thoughtful material selection to our brand messaging ties down to our commitment to greener and better futures. We’re very proud of the use of organic and natural materials, reiterating our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices
In addition to this, we make a concerted effort to spread as much awareness as we can and to educate communities about renewable and biodegradable resources! You can stop by our Sustainable Families blog where we talk about numerous aspects of building a sustainable lifestyle with your little one and healthy nappy practices too!
By embracing circularity, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also contributing to a healthier planet. We know that Little & Brave has taken a little but highly positive step towards a greener future!
Conclusion
According to environmental research, the impact of disposable nappies on landfills is staggering. It is estimated that over 20 billion disposable diapers are discarded each year, accounting for approximately 3.5 million tons of waste. These diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose, occupying valuable landfill space and contributing to environmental pollution.
Make a positive impact on the planet without compromising your baby's comfort and well-being by choosing the Little & Brave Eco Baby range. With compostable nappies and plant-based ingredients, you can contribute to reducing waste and minimising your ecological footprint. We take our commitment as an eco brand seriously and urge you to join the movement towards a more sustainable future while providing the best for your little one.
Start your eco-friendly parenting journey with Little & Brave today.