MNHQ here: what do you think about manufacturers marketing wipes as 'flushable'?

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

We've been contacted by a major utilities company asking Mumsnet to throw its weight behind a campaign it's running on the marketing of 'flushable' wet wipes and 'moist' toilet tissue.

The organisation that's contacted us says that 80% of all sewer blockages are the result of sewer misuse, and that 70% of these blockages are the result of wet wipes. They want manufacturers to stop being able to label wipes as being 'flushable'.

They are going to write to the Advertising Standards Authority complaining that consumers are being misled by the packaging and claims on many of these products. They say consumers are encouraged to believe that these products break down harmlessly when flushed - whereas in truth, they don't break down after flushing and can end up causing blocks, leaks and flooding.

We know from previous conversations about tampons and sanpro that MNers tend to be stalwart defenders of the public sewage system, so we said we'd ask you whether this was a campaign you'd like us to swing behind.

As ever, it would be great to hear what you think.

Thanks
MNHQ

[cozietoesie]

An interesting article from Canada - although, frankly, if you search the net on - say - 'wipes and sewers', there are so many references (all saying much the same thing) that it's hard to choose.

[cozietoesie]

It's worth watching the video in that article by the way. Depressing but still worthwhile.

[HisNameWasPrinceAndHeWasFunky]

I'm astonished that this kind of product is even legal.

Companies cannot be relied upon to " do the right thing". Campaign all you want but sometimes govts need to legislate to stop environmentally disastrous products being manufactured, marketed and sold.

Add coffee pods to the list too please. Something completely unnecessary, devised purely to "add value" to a relatively cheap product. Half the country falls for George Clooney for fucks sake it, and entire new swathes of the county are required to landfill the excessive unnecessary waste.

Future generations are going to point and laugh at our idiocy.

[HisNameWasPrinceAndHeWasFunky]

And cunting microbeads.

[cozietoesie]

I suspect that there's a need to maintain focus on one immediate issue, His. ( Although, hopefully, broader environmental issues would also have their profile raised as a result?)

[ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe]

I'm all for banning the bastarding beads, but that's another battle.
Let's stick to the matter in hand.

[cozietoesie]

This article is a year old but people might find it interesting. The facts are all still true as far as I can see.

[cozietoesie]

I'm wondering whether a thread on this topic should be started on a board with more general traffic?

Any thoughts?

[roomonmybroom]

Not RTFT sorry, well not all of it, so excuse if already suggested.

How about MN and the water company teaming up with Surfers Against Sewage? they are hot on the topic of what should not be flushed, and have been saying so for a long time.

[ClutterofStarlings]

cozie given the way as someone? You? posted up thread, some posters always are shocked that you shouldn't flush sanitary towels & tampons, a thread on a busier board might be a good idea.
room on my broom that's a really good idea, I'd be surprised if the water boards hadn't already approached them. Also the open water swimming association, and assorted triathlon type societies might be interested?

[cozietoesie]

It's particularly the coordination of any thread with a campaign that I'm unclear about, Clutter. There seems to be a serious and growing problem already but it might not be a good idea to dissipate effort. I don't know the best way on this.

[cozietoesie]

Just been cleaning the toilet and - after checking the toilet bin - thought that a really weak spot is guests. Who knows what other people are flushing down your loo when they're in there?

Might there be some usefulness in having - say - some stickers/stand ups (whatever those little triangular cardboard things are called) or something that you could put near the toilet to give people a hint and, hopefully, spread the word?

I haven't thought this through by the way - just musing.

[Jasonandyawegunorts]

Out of curiosity has anyone pointed out the irony / hypocrisy of doing this a couple of months after the sponsered posts for andrex flushable wipes?

[cozietoesie]

Not so far, I think.

But then we can all change our views if given new information, surely?