Flush Smart Day is extended to the full month of July to remind
people about the importance of smart flushing habits by looking for
the "Do Not Flush" symbol found on non-flushable wipes, such as
baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and makeup removal wipes.
SEATTLE, July 2, 2024
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance
(RFA) officially kicks off the expanded annual observance of
#FlushSmartMonth. Flush Smart Day was introduced two years ago on
July 1, but as RFA is picking up
speed and increasing the creativity and reach of its educational
activations, Flush Smart Day is now Flush Smart Month! A full month
focused on the importance of responsible flushing and the vital
role of education.
"About 90% of wipes sold in the U.S. are
non-flushable, making it important that people always look for the
'Do Not Flush' symbol. If you see it, that wipe goes in the trash,
never the toilet. Flushable wipes are made with short, plant-based
fibers that break down in water similar to toilet paper."
The Flush Smart Month mission is to increase awareness of the
"Do Not Flush" symbol on non-flushable wipes packaging and consumer
education efforts to help Americans protect their homes, community
wastewater systems, and pipes infrastructure from unnecessary
fatbergs and clogs.
"RFA saw great results in increased awareness in 2023 due in
large part to our creative approach to
education," said RFA President Lara
Wyss. "We are inspired to continue thinking outside the box
to meet consumers where they are with information that they simply
can't miss. This year, we've amped up the volume and creativity
even more, kicking off Flush Smart Month with a first-of-its-kind
activation at VidCon Anaheim featuring unexpected content that
brings consumers – and a surprising hero – into a
film-noir-inspired mystery to uncover the true crimes of bad
flushing."
At VidCon, RFA encouraged attendees to help solve crimes of
flushing by assisting Detective Vincent
Drains and his sidekick, Mel, a singing and talking toilet.
They reminded everyone to always look for the "Do Not Flush" symbol
found on non-flushable wipes -- such as baby wipes, cleaning wipes,
and makeup removal wipes – and if the symbol is on the package,
that wipe should not be flushed. They also explained the
differences between flushable and non-flushable wipes. For more
check out http://www.flushsmart.org/toilet-crimes.
RFA officially launched the #FlushSmart campaign in 2022 and has
since reached millions of consumers with education about proper
flushing and become an important player in the effort to protect
our wastewater systems, environment, and communities. Consumer
research shows increasing flushing awareness with 90% of
respondents indicating that they are at least somewhat
knowledgeable about what can be flushed safely in 2023.
When items that shouldn't be flushed—such as non-flushable wipes
with the "Do Not Flush" label—go down the toilet, they can congeal
with fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) to create concrete-like masses
known as fatbergs. These clogs can cause problems for homeowners
and communities at large.
"With about 90% of wipes sold in the U.S. being non-flushable,
it is important that people always check the disposal instructions
and look for the 'Do Not Flush' symbol. If they see it, that wipe
goes in the trash, never the toilet," Wyss said. "The other 10% of
wipes sold are flushable wipes. Those are made with short,
plant-based fibers that break down in water similar to toilet paper
and are specifically designed and tested for flushability."
On average, it costs about $300 to
$450 to repair the damage to home
plumbing systems caused by clogs. And if it requires a whole house
re-pipe, the average cost can range from $4,000 to $15,000.
When it comes to municipalities, costs can vary—but estimates show
that local public agencies throughout the U.S. (and the ratepayers
they represent) spend more than $440
million each year to repair wastewater treatment equipment
and respond to sewer overflows caused by improper flushing of
non-flushable wet wipes.
Sewage leaks and spills caused by clogs can also potentially
contaminate our environment and water supply. Especially in times
of drought, maintaining proper flushing habits will help protect
our critical infrastructure and our communities' precious
groundwater and other freshwater sources.
States including California,
Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, and New
Jersey have
enacted Proper Wet Wipes Labelling Laws. Now consumers across the
country can find the "Do Not Flush" symbol on non-flushable wipes,
including baby wipes, household cleaning wipes, and facial wipes,
to name a few. Wipes manufacturers support RFA's consumer education
efforts, known as the #FlushSmart campaign, to help promote the
symbol and shed light on this important but often overlooked
topic.
If you're interested in learning more about the #FlushSmart
campaign or the Responsible Flushing Alliance, visit
http://www.flushsmart.org.
About Responsible Flushing Alliance
The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit
organization dedicated to national consumer education programs
focused on what not to flush. RFA's goal is to change consumer
behavior to help reduce damage to our nation's sewage systems
caused by objects and materials not designed to be flushed.
Media Contact
Lara Wyss, Responsible Flushing
Alliance, 206-487-4570, lara@flushsmart.org
, www.flushsmart.org
Twitter
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SOURCE Responsible Flushing Alliance