Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is stepping up her game as she prepares for the arrival of her fifth grandchild.
Known affectionately as Fergie, she's launched a new initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste in diapers—just in time for Princess Beatrice's growing family.
On November 11, the Duchess shared her mission through an op-ed in the Daily Mail, highlighting her commitment to environmental sustainability.
With Princess Beatrice expecting her second child with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and the baby's arrival slated for early spring 2025, Fergie's focus on eco-friendly practices couldn't come at a better moment.
“In just a few months, I will welcome another grandchild into our family,” Fergie wrote, mentioning her existing grandchildren: Sienna, 3, Wolfie, 8, and her two grandsons from Princess Eugenie.
Each addition brings joy, but it also prompts deeper thoughts about the legacy we leave behind.
Reflecting on her own experiences as a grandmother, she shared, “Family life is hands-on—from storytime to changing nappies.”
It's a job she knows well, having jumped right back into it when her first grandchild was born.
But with every diaper change, she couldn't help but notice the sheer volume of waste piling up.
Curiosity got the best of her, and she began researching what those diapers were made of.
To her shock, she discovered that they are laden with plastic, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.
This revelation prompted her to consider alternatives, but when she searched for plastic-free, compostable options, she found none that met her needs.
This gap in the market sparked a fire in her belly, leading to the birth of The Greater Good campaign.
As part of this initiative, Fergie recently traveled to Samoa—a country heavily affected by plastic pollution, where disposable diapers account for nearly 30% of household waste.
Through The Greater Good, Fergie is championing a solution that offers compostable diapers capable of breaking down into nutrient-rich soil within six to eight weeks.
Her project has already created jobs for 18 local women involved in the collection and composting process, showing that change is possible when communities come together.
The impact is significant; according to Fergie, for every 100 babies using these compostable products, around 1,543 pounds of plastic waste can be eliminated weekly.
It's a small yet mighty step toward a more sustainable future.
With the impending arrival of her grandchild, Fergie feels a renewed sense of hope.
She believes initiatives like The Greater Good are vital for ensuring that future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier planet.
“Thanks to projects like this, our oceans can remain vibrant and plastic-free for our children to enjoy,” she expressed passionately.
But Fergie isn't alone in her environmental crusade.
Her daughter Princess Eugenie has also made headlines for her commitment to sustainability, famously hosting a plastic-free wedding.
She even introduced her mother to Peter Thomson, the U.N. Special Envoy for the Oceans, which further fueled Fergie's research into the diaper crisis.
The royal family has a longstanding tradition of environmental advocacy; King Charles has been a champion for conservation for decades, instilling a passion for sustainability in his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Together, they're making strides in environmental efforts through initiatives like the Earthshot Prize and Travalyst.
As Sarah Ferguson embarks on this new journey, she embodies the spirit of change, driven by love for her family and the planet.
Her heartfelt mission serves as a reminder that anyone can make a difference, one diaper at a time.
