Last Saturday, Circus 250 & Easkey Enhancement Association ‘Sea & Coast’ hosted a coastal clean-up in Easkey with ‘Think Before You Flush’, a campaign operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann. The purpose of the event was to urge the people of Co. Sligo to protect their local environment by only flushing the 3 Ps (pee, poo and paper) down the toilet.
The Think Before You Flush campaign works with local communities across Ireland and Co. Sligo to raise awareness on the issues of flushing unsuitable items down the toilet and highlights the consequences of doing so. These includes blockages in our wastewater network and treatment plants, sewage overflows and sewage-related litter ending up on our beaches and natural environment. The campaign message is simple. Only flush the 3Ps (pee, poo, and paper) down the toilet – everything else goes in the bin.
Many people love the convenience of disposable wet wipes, facial pads, and dental floss. Most people, however, are unaware of the problems associated with these items when inappropriately flushed down the toilet. Research has found that just over one in five adults admit to regularly flushing items down the toilet that are known to cause blockages and can have detrimental effects on the wastewater network and the marine environment. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate quickly in our pipes and sewage systems, other items do not break down easily.
Circus 250 & Easkey Enhancement Association ‘Sea & Coast’ worked alongside the Think Before You Flush campaign to remove 6 bags of litter from coastline of Easkey. Olivia Jones from Clean Coasts said: “Through education and awareness, the Think Before You Flush campaign aims to prevent items like wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items ending up on Ireland’s shores. One of the strengths of the campaign is working with groups, such as Easkey Enhancement Association ‘Sea & Coast’, who are encouraging behavioural change in this area. Research indicates that attitudes and flushing behaviours are changing for the better but there is still work to do.”