This study says they're about the same. Actually, given how cloth diapers are often laundered, they're worse. Plus, disposable companies are working on making the diapers smaller and therefore have less waste and lower environmental impact. However, cloth CAN be better by reusing them for multiple kids, washing them once with an appropriate detergent (rather than having extra rinse cycles as is common), and line drying them. I don't think this addresses it, but I think high efficiency washers are probably better too.
Here's a link to a summary: http://www.kca.com.au/environment/dispo
Here's a link to the 2008 study (updated from the 2005 study): http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.a
Although, at the end of the article, it says that parents can now make guilt-free decisions. I have to disagree-- now we all just feel guilty no matter what diaper we use. (Best to go diaper free!)
Edit I just found this website which addresses the above article and has a good graph.
http://whatawaste.info/but-i-heard/
Here's a link to a summary: http://www.kca.com.au/environment/dispo
Here's a link to the 2008 study (updated from the 2005 study): http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.a
Although, at the end of the article, it says that parents can now make guilt-free decisions. I have to disagree-- now we all just feel guilty no matter what diaper we use. (Best to go diaper free!)
Edit I just found this website which addresses the above article and has a good graph.
http://whatawaste.info/but-i-heard/
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