Clean Coasts together with Shore Things, a Galway City Partnership initiative headed to the popular Claddagh Beach to collect scientific data as part of citizen science research recently.
The aim of the research was to look for sewage-related litter and plastics at this popular city based beach and highlight the link between the toilet and the ocean and how sewage-related litter can end up on our beaches.
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 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper 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 our coastal waters and beaches.
The meet-up at Claddagh Beach included members of Galway City Partnership, a local and community development company working in Galway City, aiming to tackle disadvantage and social exclusion with a particular focus on helping those who are long term unemployed. Clean Coasts group The Shore Things, led by Tony Buckley which is to the fore in cleaning Galway’s beaches, were also busy collecting scientific data at the event.
Talking about the importance of citizen science and the need to protect our local environment to help local communities thrive Anthony Skeffington, Uisce Éireann said 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. oWe are delighted to continue our partnership with Clean Coasts and collaborate with Galway City Council and the Claddagh community to preserve and protect our environment and shine a light on the link between what you flush down the toilet and can end up on your local beach.
Tony Buckley – Galway City Partnership, Tús Team Leader said Galway City Partnership Clean Coast Group – A Shore Thing’ were delighted to take part in a citizen science project looking at micro plastics.
“We also learned a lot about sewage related litter on our visit to Claddagh Beach and the steps we can all take to prevent these items washing up on our shores”.
Dara Dever, Clean Coasts Development Officer, said it was great to speak about the impact of sewage related litter and the steps we can all take to help reduce the amount of this waste on our beaches.
“Taking part in the Big Microplastic Survey was a very enjoyable and engaging citizen science activity”.
You can join the campaign on social media @CleanCoasts and at www.cleancoasts.org
Learn more about the Think Before You Flush campaign at https://thinkbeforeyouflush.org/
