On Thursday the 13th of June, Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann headed to Clondalkin Library to speak with the local Grow It Yourself group on all things sewage related litter. The evening encouraged people of all ages to cultivate responsible flushing behaviors and to pledge their commitment to the “Think Before You Flush” campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of flushing sanitary products and other damaging items down the toilet and to promote responsible waste management practices.
The “Think Before You Flush” campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann, emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviour and disposal of items including wipes and other sanitary products in the bin, even if they are labelled as flushable. Only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. When items such as wet wipes are flushed down the toilet, they can cause serious blockages in sewage systems, causing sewage overflows and ultimately polluting our coastal waters and beaches.
Established in 2008, Grow it Yourself empowers individuals globally to lead healthier lives and foster a global community of growers to contribute to a more sustainable food system. Grow it Yourself Clondalkin contacted Think Before You Flush to learn about sustainable practices outside of the garden. The event was held in Clondalkin Library and was a great chance to engage with the local community in discussions around marine litter, wastewater treatment, and ways to safeguard our wastewater network and coastal habitats. Sinéad Keogh, from Clean Coasts hosted a presentation for the GIY group followed by experiments to demonstrate the importance of only flushing the 3 P’s down the toilet.
The team also discussed the Think Before You Pour campaign that looks at the issue of pouring fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink. Instead of flowing freely, FOG’s cool and harden as they travel along the wastewater network. When FOGs combine with sewage related litter such as wipes, hair and dental floss fatbergs can form. Uisce Éireann clears hundreds of blockages, including fatbergs, from the wastewater network every week. The Think Before Pour campaign urges everyone to avoid washing FOGs down the kitchen drain and, instead, dispose of them in the bin once cool.
Speaking about the evening Sinéad Keogh from Clean Coasts said: “We are thankful to the local GIY group here in Clondalkin for inviting us to be part of this festival. We are delighted to be in Clondalkin and engage in conversations about the Think Before You Flush campaign with members of the community. Sewage-related litter poses a real threat to our wastewater network and negatively impacts our marine environment. The wonderful news is that the solution is straightforward. Only flush the 3 Ps (pee, poo, and paper) down the toilet. Everything else belongs in the bin. Through collaboration, we can support better flushing behaviour and deliver a tangible positive impact on our natural environment.”