‘Props’ to NI Water during Queen’s University Belfast’s Green Week
12 February 2019 14:37
NI Water’s Education team were invited to deliver a lesson with a difference to Queen’s University staff and students about what not to flush or put down the sink using a blocked sink and toilet props during Queen’s University Belfast’s Green Week from 11 - 15 February.
Taking place annually, Queen’s University’s Green Week aims to increase awareness among staff and students of how they can live a more sustainable lifestyle. This year the University will host a range of engaging events throughout the week to inspire staff and students to make small changes in their life that have a positive impact on the environment – with stalls and events hosted by a range of organisations including a talk by cosmetics retailer Lush on their sustainable values and a presentation by Ards and North Down Borough Council on their innovative ‘Sea Bin’ Initiative.
Distributing free goodie bags including reusable water bottles to Queen’s staff and students, NI Water will also highlight the global problem of marine plastic pollution during Green Week 2019 as part of their campaign to reduce the use of single use plastic water bottles in favour of filling reusable water bottles from the tap.
Sara Lynch, Estates Manager (Environmental), Queen’s University Belfast, said: “At Queen’s, our vision is to become a low carbon organisation by reducing our carbon emissions and providing a high quality and sustainable working and learning environment for students and staff. Green Week is an annual feature on the University calendar and provides an important opportunity for increasing awareness of ways in which we can all adopt a greener lifestyle. We are always delighted to host and provide a platform for key partners such as NI Water during initiatives such as Green Week, and value their input, ideas and advice as we continue on our environmental journey at Queen’s.”
NI Water’s Education officer Anna Killen says, “Wipe and scrape plates, pans and utensils before washing them and use strainers in sink plug holes to catch any food. Don’t wash food down the sink. Bag it and Bin it! To watch our video click on the link https://youtu.be/syp45gNoFDg
NI Water’s blocked sink and toilet props will be at Queen’s University’s Green Week from 11 - 15th February. The loo will then be on the move, arriving at the Silent Valley Visitor Centre on February 20th as part of Northern Ireland Science Week.
NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen says, “Blockages and out of sewer flooding are extremely unpleasant, but we all have the power to stop it. Taking simple measures and only flushing the 3Ps – Pee, Poo, Paper will help alleviate the avoidable problem of blocked sewers.
“In the last ten years, NI Water has spent over £1.5 billion investing in water and wastewater infrastructure but no amount of investment will completely stop blocked pipes if people continue to flush wipes (including those labelled as flushable), sanitary items and cotton buds down the toilet.”
“Behaviour change is the only real way to address sewer misuse; it’s simple really, don’t flush anything other than paper, poo and pee and keep wastewater ‘Flo-ing’ through your home and our network.”
Monday 11th February
McClay Library Foyer: 11.00am-3.00pm
Queens Elms Tree Tops: 7.00pm-8.30pm
Tuesday 12th February
MBC Foyer: 11.00am-2.00pm
BT1 accommodation: 7.00pm-8.30pm
Wednesday 13th February
BT2 accommodation: 7.00pm-8.30pm
ENDS
Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office on 028 9035 7695 or via email to press.office@niwater.com