Drainage expert Lanes Group has announced the launch of its fifth Unblocktober campaign, calling on individuals and businesses to take the Unblocktober pledge. The pledge asks the UK public to improve the country’s drain health and reduce the impact that waste is having on the climate and environment.
The month-long initiative began in 2019. Over this time, awareness has certainly grown of the fact that pouring the wrong stuff down the drain leads to the formation of fatbergs that are harmful to drains and the environment.
The wrong stuff includes any of the following products:
Cooking oil – pre or post-cooking
Margarine
Butter
Lard
Cooking sauces and condiments
Food – even crumbs
Wet wipes
Face masks
Tampons, applicators and wrappers
Sanitary/menstrual pads and towels
Nappies
Condoms
Cotton buds
Contact lenses
Bandages and plasters
Razor blades
Dental floss
Rubber gloves
These large accumulations clog our sewers and drains, making them less efficient than they should be. At a time when we just cannot afford to be causing any more environmental damage, this has had significant ecological effects, and is increasing pollution in our waterways, says Lanes.
Jacob Larkin, spokesperson for Unblocktober, said: “Since our first campaign in 2019, we’ve seen signups to Unblocktober rise from 4,500 to over 66,000. We are incredibly proud of the efforts of the British public and businesses to tackle the climatic and ecological impact of poor drain health.
“Now, however, is not the time to rest on our laurels. Unblocktober 2023 gives us the opportunity to build on the key wins of the last five years and continue to improve our drain health. Reducing the environmental impact of issues such as fatbergs and wet wipe usage is a key factor for improving the overall health of our waterways. Increased awareness of poor habits during Unblocktober will continue to have a positive impact and give the environment a fighting chance.”
For more information on the campaign and how to get involved, visit: https://www.unblocktober.org/
