The Think Before You Flush campaign, a collaborative initiative by Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann, recently joined forces with Clean Coasts Ballynamona to host two Big Little Beach Clean events in Cork. Held in May and June, these events brought over 300 primary school students to Ardnahinch Beach in East Cork and Inchydoney Beach in West Cork for educational outdoor activities and beach clean-ups.
During the two-day events, students participated in various workshops and learning sessions. Proinsias O Tuama from Clean Coasts Ballynamona led a session on ‘retro rubbish,’ while Dr. Michael John O Mahony educated the students on biodiversity. Kevin Motherway from CARO discussed climate change, and Elaine Doyle from Clean Coasts facilitated a Think Before You Flush workshop. The students also actively engaged in cleaning the beaches, contributing to the preservation of their local environment.
The Think Before You Flush campaign, now in its eighth year, aims to raise public awareness about the problems caused by flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. These actions can lead to blockages in homes and wastewater treatment networks, and result in sewage-related litter polluting waterways and coastlines. The campaign emphasises flushing only the three Ps: pee, poo, and paper, while all other waste should be disposed of in the bin.
In addition to Think Before You Flush, the events also highlighted the Think Before You Pour campaign, which addresses the issue of disposing fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) down the kitchen sink. FOGs can cool and harden in the wastewater network, combining with other waste to form fatbergs. Uisce Éireann regularly clears these blockages from the network, which can cause significant issues. The campaign encourages the proper disposal of FOGs in the bin once they have cooled.
Mary Hussey from Uisce Éireann remarked on the importance of these initiatives:
“By partnering with Clean Coasts and the Think Before You Flush campaign, we aim to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. The success of this campaign relies on the active participation of all stakeholders, including the public, beachgoers, residents, and tourists. We hope the dedication of Clean Coasts Ballynamona will inspire their local community.”
Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Development Officer for Cork, Kerry, and Waterford, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s impact:
“This is the third year of the Big Little Beach Clean. It’s a high-energy event covering a wide variety of themes and activities, providing a unique and rewarding experience for all participating students. Events like these are both fun and educational, benefiting both the brain and nature.”
How to Get Involved
Join the campaign on social media @CleanCoasts and visit www.cleancoasts.org to learn more about the Think Before You Flush campaign. For additional details, visit https://thinkbeforeyouflush.org/.
About Clean Coasts
Clean Coasts, a programme run by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, engages communities in protecting Ireland’s beaches, seas, and marine life. Since 2003, the programme has involved thousands of volunteers in removing significant amounts of marine litter from coastlines. Clean Coasts organises various initiatives, including national clean-up drives, the Green Coast Award, the Love Your Coast Photography competition, Clean Coasts Roadshows, and the Ocean Hero Awards, celebrating the efforts of volunteers across Ireland.
Currently, Clean Coasts boasts over 2,000 registered volunteer groups and 40,000 volunteers, encompassing community groups, residents’ associations, tidy towns groups, sports clubs, schools, businesses, and universities. The organisation mobilises hundreds of beach clean-ups annually, making a substantial impact on Ireland’s coastal environment.