Wet Wipes Are Contaminating the Coastline

Oct 18, 2018 | Political News

Wet Wipes Are Contaminating the Coastline

Oct 18, 2018 | Political News

Wet Wipes Are Contaminating the Coastline

Oct 18, 2018 | Political News

I urge people to stop flushing wet wipes into toilets as they are causing catastrophic damage to Ireland’s coastline. MEP Clune said there are many beautiful beaches in Waterford that must be protected and people must be aware of the dangers of wet wipes to the environment.

A recent survey from Coastwatch, reported “long ropes” of wet wipes ending up on coastlines.

It is very important that people do not flush wet wipes down the toilet. The wipes contain plastic and they are doing extreme damage to the environment.

I recently met with the Plastic Free Waterford campaign and they are doing fantastic work to promote the dangers associated with plastic. They now have the support of over 75 businesses and organisations in Waterford and I commend them in their work.

 I would really urge people to think carefully about how they dispose of wet wipes as they are clogging up sewers and damaging the marine environment.

The Coastwatch survey found that  wet wipes are scattered on beaches around Ireland and in-between the rocks. The survey said wet wipes are creating a serious problem.

Recently at the European Parliament there was a vote on reducing the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. The proposed legislation includes new rules targeting single-use plastic products most often found on Europe’s beaches and seas, and lost and abandoned fishing gear. The proposed amendments focus on, among other things, shortening the timeline for achieving reductions in the consumption of products such as plastic tobacco filters.

I would welcome the moves to continue the fight against plastic at the European Parliament today. There is a responsibility on us as users of plastic to ensure we use it responsibly and there is also a focus on producers to ensure that plastic is easier to reuse and recycle.