Think Before You Flush campaign collaborates with MCC to protect beaches and marinas

Last year was the first of a collaboration between the Think Before You Flush campaign, Mayo County Council and the Blue Flag programme, with the combined goal of educating beachgoers around what should and should not be flushed down public toilets when visiting the coast during the summer months.

This year has seen a continuation of this landmark collaboration and the goal remains the same: keeping Ireland's beautiful Blue Flag beaches and marinas clean and tidy, and protecting the spectacular marine habitats from sewage based pollution.

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 such as wipes and other sanitary products, even if they are labelled as flushable. Only the 3 Ps (pee, poo and paper) should be flushed down the toilet; everything else should go in the bin.

When items such as wipes and sanitary products are flushed down the toilet, they can cause serious blockages in waste water systems, causing sewage overflows that can pollute our rivers, lakes, beaches and coastlines.

Recognising the urgent need to protect Ireland's remarkable coastal ecosystems, Mayo County Council has united in its commitment to spread awareness about the campaign and promote responsible waste disposal practices. Under this collaborative effort, participating authorities will display Think Before You Flush signage on Blue Flag beaches and marinas, offering clear instructions on appropriate flushing behaviour, highlighting the main items people incorrectly flush down their toilets (the ‘Dirty Dozen’) and encouraging visitors to use designated sanitary waste bins.

Bronagh Moore, coastal communities manager at Clean Coasts, has expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts and support of the campaign. She said: “It's fantastic to see Mayo County Council supporting the Think Before You Flush campaign. This collaboration between councils and environmental programmes is crucial in safeguarding our Blue Flag beaches. Their efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting our coastlines will help ensure vibrant ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.”

Talking about the importance of safeguarding Blue Flag beaches and marinas, Sean Corrigan of Uisce Éireann said: “By partnering with Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann’s Think Before You Flush campaign, Mayo County Council aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, where individuals can take proactive steps to protect our coastal habitats. The success of this campaign hinges on the participation and support of Mayo’s stakeholders, including the public, beachgoers, residents and tourists alike. The hard work and positivity of everyone involved is inspiring to see.”

All water lovers are being asked to support local authorities, including Mayo County Council, and the Think Before You Flush campaign in creating a surge of environmental responsibility. Small changes can have a huge impact. Ride the wave of change towards healthier marine environments.

Learn more about the Think Before You Flush campaign at https://thinkbeforeyouflush.org.