The ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign works with local communities across Ireland including Donegal 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 in our natural environment. The campaign message is simple. Only flush the 3Ps (pee, poo, and paper) down the toilet – everything else goes in the bin.
While people appreciate the convenience of disposable wet wipes, facial pads, and dental floss many 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 regularly admit to 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, these other items do not break down easily.
Mountcharles Tidy Towns Clean Coasts Group worked effortlessly alongside the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign to remove 10 bags of litter plus used netting from the local strand and around the piers. Auriel Robinson had this to say: “Through education and awareness, the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign aims to prevent items like wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items washing up on Ireland’s shores. One of the strengths of the campaign is working with groups, such as Mountcharles Tidy Towns, who are encouraging behavioural change in this area. Research indicates that attitudes and flushing behaviours are changing for the better in Ireland but there is still work to do.”
Auriel also said on the day ‘Our Oceans and Seas are suffering greatly at a global scale, but we can still do our bit for our own local areas, counties, and indeed country. The more we get together like this, out cleaning our local strands and beaches and raising awareness of same, the healthier our coastal and marine environment will be, and this can be enjoyed by all in the present and the future. Nature will thrive if we look after it, and every little bit helps’.