June 5 is World Environment Day. Hence, I am posting this to educate and motivate.
To Flush Or Not to Flush? Which of the following should you not flush down the toilet?
- Prescription drugs
- Oil or grease
- Wet wipes for baby or adult bottoms
- Household cleaning agents
- All of the above
Of course the answer is: All of the above. All drains lead to the ocean, they say.
- Prescription drugs are difficult to filter from our drinking water. You can dispose of them in the trash, securely contained. Many police stations will also dispose of them for free!
- Fat from cooking or any other type of fat, oil, or grease (F.O.G.) should not be poured down the drain. Let it cool and place it in the trash. You can read more about it here. https://www.citizensenergygroup.com/My-Business/Utility-Services/Wastewater/Fats,-Oils-and-Grease
- “Flushable” wipes, i.e. wet wipes, and other fiber reinforced cleaning products like many tissues, wrappers, and dust cloths are also not meant to be flushed. They can clog up both septic and sewer systems and are best thrown in the garbage. Better yet, stop using them and find an eco-friendly substitute. Old rags made from a cut up tee-shirt work well, DIY wipes recipes are online.
- Household chemicals or cleaning agents should not be poured down the drain. These chemicals are difficult to filter out of drinking water and can be harmful to aquatic life. Many regions and counties have Hazardous Waste drop off sites.
To make your heart glad I introduce you to The Conservation Fund which works with public, private and nonprofit partners to protect America’s legacy of land and water resources through land acquisition. At their website you can see where they have made a difference all over the world. How great it was to read about their work on the Treasure Coast of Florida where I live. Check out the interactive map to see what they may be up to in your state. https://www.conservationfund.org/where-we-work
Here is what they accomplished near me. When the real estate bubble burst in 2008, the Indian River Land Trust https://www.irlt.org/ suddenly had an opportunity to purchase coastal land on the lagoon at sharply lower prices. A well-timed $3 million loan from The Conservation Fund helped make that happen. The Land Trust was able to purchase a 111-acre peninsula containing the largest undeveloped, yet unprotected, stretch of wetlands in the area. As a result, what could have become more houses is now scenic waterfront being managed for wildlife habitat and public education.
Had you heard of World Environment Day before this? I’d enjoy hearing your comments on this and other environmental concerns.
Praying on Empty 