Cover image: A fatberg formed in a sewer in Dublin comprising of wet wipes and fats, oils and greases (FOGs)
Clean Coasts contributes to a webinar series run by the Water Safety Officer in Cork County Council
This May and June, Clean Coasts contributed to a three-part webinar series run by Cork County Council aimed at teaching young people in Cork schools about water safety and preparing them to enjoy the summer season safely on the beaches and waterways. In addition to learning about safety, the students heard about the Think Before You Flush campaign, sewage-related litter and the 3Ps: that’s pee, poo and paper being the only three items to ever flush down the toilet. The series was delivered to inspire young people to be safe in and around the water this bathing season and to become responsible beach users going forward.
The Think Before You Flush campaign is a public awareness initiative run by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann. The campaign, now in its tenth year, focuses on the issue of flushing unsuitable items down the toilet and highlights the consequences of doing so. These include blockages in our homes, wastewater treatment networks and sewage-related litter ending up in our waterways and on our coastline. Sewage-related litter can impact water quality and the marine life that rely on our waterways for their habitat and nourishment. The campaign’s main message is to only flush the 3Ps and to remember that all other waste belongs in the bin.
During the webinars Clean Coasts also presented the Think Before You Pour campaign which highlights the issue of pouring fats, oils and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink. FOGs cool and harden after being poured away and, when they combine with wet wipes and other sewage-related litter, 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 instead.
Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Development Officer for the South Coast presented at the three events. She said: “Beaches and waterway are so appealing and fun and a right of passage for children but there is a scary reality around waterways. The webinars give the children tips and guidance around water safety in the ocean, rivers and lakes. Clean Coasts add an environmental message about responsible beach use with a focus on sewage-related litter. This webinar is delivered to schools over three mornings all around county Cork. Thanks to Cork County Council for delivering this important webinar to our school aged children. We want to keep their lives fun but, more importantly safe, and empower them to be environmental ambassadors.”