French feminist challenges greens

This BBC article is a very nice illustration of a lot of things economists keep saying about the world.

Attacking the green movement's support for washable reusable nappies, she told French media the disposable nappy was an aspect of women's liberation.

 A well-functioning market economy produces countless products and services that improve peoples' lives.  This will usually lead to increases in freedom and quality of life for everyone, especially people who have traditionally faced lives of toil and drudgery.

Detecting a creeping return to conservative values, Mrs Badinter said a lot of European women were not prepared to accept this "regression".

Economic freedom is inextricably tied to personal freedom in general.

The feminist solution, said Mrs Badinter, was to manufacture biodegradable disposable nappies.

Technological improvement and continued economic progress are the solution to current problems.  Going back to the past is not a solution.

The article does not mention this, but washable diapers are just as bad for the environment as disposable ones.  The chemicals required to wash them generate a lot of toxic waste, and the energy required to wash them is substantial and generates pollution and greenhouse gases.