A number of companies claim to have produced new eco-friendly “flushable” products, but water companies have warned that these are not as good for the environment as previously supposed.
The companies have concerns about the suitability of disposing so-called ‘flushable products’ into sewerage networks.
“What can and cannot be flushed is essential,” said Oliver Turner, a spokesperson for Water UK.
“We will continue to promote the 3Ps message: only pee, poo and paper can go down the loo.”
In the UK, water companies estimate it costs £88 million a year to unblock sewers, and more than half of blockages are caused by wipes, sanitary items and bathroom waste.
“Just because something can be flushed, doesn’t mean it should be flushed, and out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind,” Oliver added.
Water companies report there are more than 366,000 sewer blockages throughout the UK every year.
Between 50 and 80 percent are caused by fats, oils and grease, wipes, sanitary waste and other non-flushable items.
This results in over £88 million a year in clean-up costs to unblock damaged sewers and drains.
That’s without taking into account the damage and distress caused by sewer flooding of homes and pollution incidents within the environment as a result of these avoidable sewer blockages.
Swaps you can make for the environment
Don’t flush: Non-Flushable and so-called ‘Flushable’ Moist Toilet Tissue
Try: FreshX – a spray that makes toilet roll kinder to skin
Don’t flush: Tampons
Try: Mooncup is the original, soft, medical-grade silicone menstrual cup designed by women
Don’t flush: Dental Floss
Try: RADIUS Biodegradable Silk Floss is made from all natural, pure silk coated in candelilla wax
Don’t flush: Paper Towels
Try: Choose 100 per cent biodegradable options and bin them
Have you ever wondered what really happens when you cover the toilet seat with paper to avoid germs?
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
