Mayo community embraces citizen science research in 'Think Before You Flush' campaign
Clean Coasts' Think Before You Flush team headed to picturesque Crossboyne on the banks of the Robe River last month to collect scientific data as part of citizen science research and urged the people of Crossboyne and neighbouring Claremorris to protect their local environment by only flushing the three Ps (pee, poo and paper) down the toilet.
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 three Ps should be flushed down the toilet. When items such as wipes and sanitary products are flushed down the toilet, they can cause serious blockages in sewage systems, causing sewage overflows and ultimately can end up polluting coastal waters and beaches and rivers.
The event was also part of Clean Coasts’ Big Beach Clean, a citizen science clean-up that takes place annually in September and asks the public to record the litter they remove. Surveys such as these tell us that over 80% of marine litter comes from inland sources.
The meet-up in Crossboyne included members of Crossboyne Village Enhancement, a local community group working revitalise and regenerate the village. Crossboyne Village Enhancement, working alongside the Think Before You Flush campaign, removed 30 kilograms of litter and sewage-related litter items from the locality.
Olivia Jones, Clean Coasts' coordinator for the northwest region, commented: “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 Crossboyne Village Enhancement, 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.”
Talking about the importance of citizen science and the need to protect our environment to help local communities thrive, Anthony Skeffington of Uisce Éireann added: “Every day people flush thousands of sanitary items such as wet wipes and cotton buds down the toilet instead of simply putting them in the bin. This causes blockages in our network, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants, and can lead to sewage overflows impacting some of our most beautiful coastal and river locations. We clear approximately 10,000 blockages from our wastewater network every year.”
Anthony continued: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Clean Coasts and collaborate with communities such as Crossboyne and neighbouring Claremorris to preserve and protect our environment and shine a light on the link between what you flush down the toilet and what can end up on your local beach or in your local river.”
You can join the campaign on social media (@CleanCoasts) and at www.cleancoasts.org. Learn more about the Think Before You Flush campaign at thinkbeforeyouflush.org.