MTU Tralee’s Campus was the most recent stop for the Think Before You Flush campaign, that focuses on the issue of flushing unsuitable items down the toilet and highlights the consequences of doing so, which includes blockages in our homes, sewers and pollution spills into the natural environment. Sewage related litter can impact water quality and the animals and plants that rely on them for survival. Think Before You Flush is a public awareness information campaign run by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann. The campaign’s core message is simple. Only flush the 3Ps down the toilet: that’s pee, poo and paper and all other waste belongs in the bin.
The Think Before You Flush stand at the MTU Tralee Green Campus Week Event highlighted the issue of flushing sanitary waste down the toilet and how this impacts wastewater networks and water quality.
The information stand also contained details on the Think Before You Pour campaign which addresses the issue of pouring fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink. Instead of flowing freely FOGs cool and harden as they travel along the wastewater network. When these FOGs combine with wipes and other sewage litter such as hair and dental floss, fatbergs can form. Uisce Éireann clears thousands of blockages including fatbergs from the wastewater network every year. The Think Before Pour campaign asks everyone to never pour FOGs down the drain but to dispose of them in the bin once cool.
Nuala Woods, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Wastewater Operations said, “We hope that students across MTU Tralee who engaged with the Think Before You Flush/Pour campaigns during Green Campus Week will continue to support Uisce Éireann’s efforts to protect our precious environment. Small changes in everyday habits can have a big impact, and thankfully our research shows that attitudes and flushing behaviours are moving in the right direction — though there is always more work to do. Events like these play a vital role in raising awareness about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink.”
Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Development Officer said, “It was great to meet the students of MTU Tralee to talk about marine litter, sewage related litter and water quality. The campaign gives simple and practical advice on how to make a real difference to our waterways. The students were so engaged and interested, giving hope that together with small actions we can make big changes.”