Students' Guide To Preventing Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with more than 70% of the Earth's surface covered in water, and human activity being the primary cause of contamination. Students can play a vital role in tackling this problem by adopting simple habits in their daily lives. From reducing plastic consumption to properly disposing of household chemicals, students can make a significant impact in preserving our water resources. Implementing these measures is crucial, as water pollution not only results in contaminated water but also harms the wildlife that depends on it for survival. This paragraph will explore some of the ways students can actively contribute to preventing water pollution.

Reduce plastic use and dispose of it properly

As a student, you can play a crucial role in reducing plastic use and properly disposing of it to prevent water pollution. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips for you:

Reduce Plastic Usage:

• Avoid single-use plastics like plastic bags, straws, bottles, and disposable cutlery. Opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, metal straws, water bottles, and cutlery that you can wash and reuse.
• When buying products, choose items with minimal plastic packaging. For example, buy products in bulk or opt for items packaged in recyclable materials like glass or paper.
• In school, advocate for changes in the canteen. Suggest replacing individual sauce sachets with large pumps for self-service, or serving yogurt in bowls from a larger pot instead of individual plastic pots.
• If you bring lunch to school, use reusable containers instead of disposable ones.
• Use a reusable water bottle or thermos and refill it with filtered water instead of buying bottled water.

Properly Dispose of Plastic:

• Learn about your local recycling program. Different types of plastics are accepted for recycling in different areas. Check the symbols on plastic items to determine if they can be recycled in your community.
• For plastic bags, wraps, and films, find out if your local grocery store or department store recycles them. These items often cannot go in household recycling bins.
• Reuse and repurpose plastic items whenever possible. For example, wash and reuse plastic containers or bags.
• Participate in community collection centers or drop-off sites for proper disposal of plastic waste. Some communities have specific days for hazardous waste collection.
• Educate yourself and others about the issues of ocean plastic through film screenings or talks. This will create awareness and encourage others to join the effort.

Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket

As a student, you can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution. One simple yet significant way is to avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket. This means being mindful of what you flush down the toilet and ensuring that only human waste and toilet paper are disposed of in this manner.

Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down easily in water pipes, but other items can cause blockages and harm the environment. For example, “flushable” wipes, including baby wipes and cleansing pads, may be marketed as safe to flush, but they do not disintegrate as quickly as toilet paper and can lead to plumbing issues. Cotton balls, cotton pads, and Q-tips also fall into this category, as they do not break down in water and can clump together in pipes.

Menstrual products, such as tampons and pads, should never be flushed. These items are designed to absorb water, and flushing them will cause them to expand, potentially leading to plumbing problems. Similarly, dental floss can become entangled in septic systems, clogging pipes and even burning out motors. It can also catch onto other debris, creating a net-like structure that can cause environmental damage.

Other items to avoid flushing include medications, pills, and drugs. Toilet water does not effectively break down these substances, allowing them to enter water bodies and cause toxic effects on aquatic life. Additionally, items like paper towels, tissues, and cigarette butts should be disposed of in wastebaskets. Grease, cooking oil, and fat should also be thrown in the trash or kept in a "fat jar" for disposal with solid waste.

By being mindful of what you flush and properly disposing of waste, you can help prevent water pollution and keep our water sources safe and clean.

Properly dispose of household chemicals

As a student, you can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution by properly disposing of household chemicals. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to help you take action:

• Avoid flushing medicines, drugs, or any other chemicals down the toilet or drain. These can include hormones, pills, liquid medications, and powders. Instead, follow the recommended guidelines for proper medical waste disposal.
• Keep household items like dust cloths, tissues, dental floss, wrappers, and other non-toilet paper goods out of the toilet. Only flush toilet paper, as it is designed to break down easily in water pipes.
• Minimize the use of household chemicals, such as detergents, bleaches, and phosphates-containing cleaners. When using these products, follow the instructions for the recommended amount to avoid overuse.
• Opt for environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternatives whenever possible. While they may be slightly more expensive, they significantly reduce water pollution.
• Properly dispose of grease, fat, and used cooking oil. Instead of pouring them down the sink, collect them in a "fat jar" for disposal with other solid waste. This prevents clogging pipes and contaminating local water bodies.
• Participate in hazardous waste collection days organized by your community. Many communities have designated days for the safe disposal of toxic chemicals like old paint, motor oil, and other household chemicals.
• Recycle household chemicals whenever possible. Contact your local recycling center to find out if they accept items like old paint, motor oil, and other chemicals for recycling.

By following these instructions, you can make a significant impact in preventing water pollution and protecting our precious water resources.

Reuse items that are not recyclable

As a student, you can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution by reusing items that are not recyclable. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to help you get started:

Reusable Containers and Cutlery

Instead of using disposable plastic water bottles, invest in a reusable insulated water bottle that you can refill at home or school. Similarly, you can opt for reusable lunch boxes and food containers instead of single-use plastic bags or containers. If you enjoy drinking hot beverages, carry a thermos or a reusable coffee mug to avoid disposable cups. You can also encourage your classmates to bring their used yogurt pots, which can be used as paint cups during art class, reducing the need for disposable cups.

Reusable Bags

Plastic shopping bags are a significant source of water pollution, often ending up in lakes and seas. Instead, opt for reusable cloth or plastic grocery bags, which are more durable and environmentally friendly. Many stores sell these bags at a minimal cost, so you can easily make the switch.

Clothing and Textiles

When it comes to clothing, consider donating your gently worn clothes and shoes to charities. Some organizations accept even damaged items, so be sure to check with your local charity. For items that cannot be donated, get creative and transform them into something new! For example, you can cut up old t-shirts to make cleaning rags, or turn worn-out jeans into a stylish bag.

Stationery and Art Supplies

As a student, you can reuse and repurpose various items for your stationery and art needs. For instance, plastic margarine containers can be used to store stationery items like chalk, crayons, and pencils. Glass jars from jams or sauces can be perfect for organizing buttons, sewing kits, or other small items. Old calendars can be used for number writing or multiplication tables, and old posters can be used for drawing or writing during free time.

Other Tips

In addition to the suggestions above, here are a few extra tips to further reduce your environmental impact:

• Reuse gift bags, boxes, and tissue paper instead of purchasing new ones.
• If you use diapers, consider switching to reusable cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.
• When it comes to personal care products, opt for bars of soap or shampoo instead of liquid products in plastic containers.
• Avoid single-use plastic straws, and if you require a straw, choose a reusable metal or glass option.

Don't dump oils, grease, and fat down the sink

As a student, you can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution by properly disposing of oils, grease, and fat instead of pouring them down the sink. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't pour these substances down the drain, as well as some alternative disposal methods.

Firstly, it's important to understand that oils, grease, and fat can cause serious plumbing issues when poured down the sink. Despite what some people believe, hot water and "grease-cutting" soap are not effective in flushing grease out of drain pipes. As the grease cools, it solidifies and forms hardened blockages that stick to the inside of pipes. These blockages trap other debris and fat, leading to clogs that can cause plumbing problems in your home and the city's sewer system.

Secondly, dumping oils, grease, and fat down the sink contributes to the formation of fatbergs in sewer systems. Fatbergs are soap-like compounds that form when grease breaks down into fatty acids and glycerol. These fatty acids bind with calcium in the sewers, creating massive clumps of fat that can block drains and sewer pipes. In 2019, a fatberg measuring 210 feet blocked a drain in the UK, taking over eight weeks to remove.

To prevent these issues, there are several alternative methods for disposing of oils, grease, and fat. One option is to use a grease disposal container, such as a heat-safe glass jar, tin can, or bottle. Simply pour the leftover grease into the container after cooking and let it cool and harden before throwing it into the trash. Another option is to reuse the grease for cooking, as bacon grease can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three months. Additionally, you can absorb grease with old paper towels, newspapers, or flyers and throw them into the trash.

By properly disposing of oils, grease, and fat, you can do your part to prevent plumbing issues and reduce water pollution. Remember, even a small amount of grease poured down the sink can cause problems over time, so it's important to be mindful of your disposal methods.

Frequently asked questions