The environment: Flushing fatbergs

Most people are aware of the need to protect the environment and many take measures to ensure they do not cause damage through pollution or being careless when it comes to the disposal of waste.

The environment: Flushing fatbergs

Most people are aware of the need to protect the environment and many take measures to ensure they do not cause damage through pollution or being careless when it comes to the disposal of waste.

Regardless of the law, it is now considered utterly unacceptable to leave rubbish on beaches or in parks or to use smokey coal in fireplaces.

Yet, even the most committed environmentalist may not be aware that protecting the environment extends to the kitchen.

A recent survey revealed that 85% of people living in Ireland dispose of food down the kitchen sink.

A joint campaign by Clean Coasts and Irish Water notes that pouring gravy, fat, oil or grease down the sink can create what is known as a “fatberg”, an accumulation of household waste that can block drains and sewers.

As Easter approaches and with Sunday roasts on the menu, the campaign serves as timely reminder to take greater care when disposing of kitchen waste.

Fatbergs can do a lot of damage, but they are completely avoidable.

more courts articles

Nine people appear in court over protest outside refugee centre in Dublin Nine people appear in court over protest outside refugee centre in Dublin
DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules

More in this section

Hospice Nurse visiting an elderly male patient Irish Examiner View: Time is pressing for reform on assisted dying
Irish Examiner view: We should not wait to be told to look out for fellow citizens Irish Examiner view: We should not wait to be told to look out for fellow citizens
Irish Examiner view: International Court of Justice ruling on Israel is another straw in the wind   Irish Examiner view: International Court of Justice ruling on Israel is another straw in the wind  
Lunchtime News
Newsletter

Keep up with the stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap.

Sign up
Revoiced
Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited