How Southern Water and FabLittleBag Are Tackling “Unflushables” in Southsea

In a world where sustainable practices are more important than ever, the role of education and awareness around proper waste disposal can’t be overstated. Southern Water, one of our valued partners, is taking significant steps to address this issue by educating communities about the harm caused by flushing unflushable items—like food waste and period products—and actively promoting responsible disposal.

The Problem with “Unflushables” in Waterways

Period products, food waste, and other items commonly flushed down toilets may seem harmless, but they pose a major threat to plumbing systems, local waterways, and marine life. When these items reach our sewage systems, they can lead to costly blockages, pollution, and even harm delicate ecosystems.

Southern Water has long been committed to protecting local water systems, and through initiatives like this, they aim to reduce the negative impact of unflushable waste in the environment.

Bringing Awareness to Southsea Residents

In an effort to combat these issues, Southern Water recently launched a campaign to educate Southsea residents on responsible disposal. As part of this initiative, Southern Water partnered with FabLittleBag to distribute free FabLittleBags to locals.

FabLittleBag offers a discreet, hygienic, and eco-friendly period disposal solution for period products, which are often mistakenly flushed due to convenience or lack of awareness about proper disposal methods.

The campaign focused on providing residents with practical tools, like FabLittleBags, while spreading awareness about the impact of flushing unflushable items.

Through face-to-face interactions and community engagement, this effort emphasised how small, everyday actions can make a significant difference in preserving the environment.

Eye-Opening Results: Residents’ Response to the Campaign

During the initiative, Southern Water discovered a surprising insight—half of the Southsea residents they engaged with were unaware that period products should not be flushed.

Many expressed surprise upon learning about the environmental effects of improper disposal and showed enthusiasm about adopting better disposal practices.

This campaign has shown that even in communities where people are environmentally conscious, there’s still work to be done in raising awareness.

When provided with a solution like FabLittleBag, most residents were willing to change their disposal habits to protect their local waterways.

FabLittleBags’ compact design and biodegradable material make it easy to incorporate into daily routines, helping residents make environmentally responsible choices.

Why Proper Disposal Matters: The Environmental Impact of Flushing

Flushing period products, food waste, and other items that don’t break down in water causes significant harm to water treatment systems and ecosystems. When these products reach water systems, they can:

• Cause Blockages: Period products and food waste are common culprits in clogged sewage systems, which can lead to costly repairs and unpleasant overflow incidents.

• Pollute Waterways: Improperly disposed products often make their way into rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water, harming marine life and the broader ecosystem.

• Contribute to Microplastic Pollution: Non-biodegradable items break down into smaller particles, leading to microplastic pollution that affects marine life and can enter the food chain.

By promoting responsible disposal, Southern Water and FabLittleBag are taking meaningful steps toward cleaner waterways and healthier ecosystems.

How FabLittleBag Encourages Responsible Disposal

FabLittleBag is designed to make responsible disposal convenient, hygienic, and sustainable. Our disposal bags are made from materials that break down over time, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags.

Each bag is easy to use, sealing securely to contain any waste and odor, which means users can discreetly dispose of period products without relying on flushing.

For many people, the barrier to responsible disposal is convenience. FabLittleBag is designed to fit seamlessly into daily life, encouraging people to make sustainable choices without inconvenience. This aligns with Southern Water’s mission to reduce unflushable waste in water systems and protect the environment.

Encouraging Better Habits for a Greener Future

The campaign in Southsea highlighted how awareness and education can inspire positive change. When residents were informed about the impact of flushing unflushables, many were motivated to adopt new habits that benefit both the community and the environment. This shift in perspective illustrates the power of education in creating lasting change.

The Future of Responsible Disposal

Southern Water and FabLittleBag’s initiative is part of a larger movement toward sustainable practices in waste disposal. By educating communities, we hope to see a reduction in the number of unflushable items entering sewage systems and waterways. As more people learn about the environmental impact of their disposal habits, the closer we get to cleaner, healthier waterways.

To support this movement, consider spreading the word within your own community. Encourage friends and family to think twice before flushing unflushables and explore sustainable disposal options, like FabLittleBag, for managing period products and other waste. Small changes on an individual level add up to significant positive impact for our environment.