Unblocktober is a national awareness month, inviting us to give our drains a well-needed break and take action against plastic pollution. What’s more, it couldn’t be more simple to get involved. So, let’s find out more about Unblocktober 2020 and how we can help.
What is Unblocktober?
Simply put, Unblocktober is a yearly action month that invites you to make small changes to your daily habits – all throughout the month of October.
Maybe you don’t think twice about washing an oily pan in the sink, or perhaps you flush wet wipes straight down the toilet? These actions may seem minor, but add up to cause real issues for the planet.
This year, Unblocktober 2020 is your chance to get stuck in and make some simple adjustments to how you run your household. Launched in 2019, the movement is in its infancy, but managed to attract the attention of major organisations such as the Environment Agency and Water UK. This year promises to be even bigger and better.
Why Is Unblocktober Important for Me and You?
Unblocktober is focussed on the alleviation of two of our most pressing environmental issues, which are:
- Reducing plastic pollution
- Halting the growth of fatbergs
With the world at home, this has taken a toll on not just our social lives and mental health but also the environment, as this issue has been pushed to the back of many people’s minds.
In the year of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been noted that more unflushable materials have ended up in drainage systems – whether that’s through more cleaning materials being used, or just a greater use of home products. More plastic pollution has ended up in our drains, and also more fatbergs have formed, as a result. Fatbergs are congealed masses of materials, held together by fat and grease, which can block sewers and eventually end up in our oceans and lakes.
Unblocktober raises awareness of these issues and asks everybody to take real action – right from the comfort of their own home.
How Can You Take Part in Unblocktober 2020?
When launched last year 2019, the awareness month was a huge success, attracting attention from Water UK, the Environment Agency and other organisations, along with more than 4,500 individuals taking the Unblocktober pledge last year. This year, the Unblocktober 2020 campaign aims to have over 10,000 individuals across the country sign up – and you could be one of them.
The beauty of Unblocktober is that the everyday person can easily take part. All you need to do is pledge that for the month of October 2020, you won’t put the following down your drains:
- Oils and butters
- Nappies and sanitary towels
- Food, no matter how small
- Wet wipes
- Bandages & plasters
- Cotton buds
- Dental floss
For a full list of no-no items, check out Unblocktober’s dedicated website here – you can also pledge yourself to this action month on the website, which begins on the 1st October and finishes on the 31st October, though we hope you continue with these good habits long into the future!
Here at Wildon UK, we’re fully trained to deal with drainage and wastewater issues on both a domestic and commercial level. With over 20 years of industry experience, our professionals resolve issues with sewers and drains throughout Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and beyond. Simply get in touch to speak to our team.
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