H2O Global News Publisher Abby Davey spoke to Responsible Flushing Alliance President Lara M. Wyss, about how the alliance is raising awareness to lead to healthier homes and the future of gender equality in the organisation.
Tell us about the Responsible Flushing Alliance
The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a coalition of companies committed to advocating for and educating consumers about responsible, smart flushing habits that will reduce damage to our nation’s sewage systems. We formed just over a year ago, but are already garnering so much support from our industry and wastewater partners.
What inspired the creation of the Responsible Flushing Alliance?
When we raise awareness and educate consumers about proper flushing, we know that it will lead to healthier homes, a cleaner environment, and properly functioning sewer systems. Changes to flushing behaviors also free up consumer tax dollars and city resources that are currently being used to repair wastewater systems damaged by clogs. That’s partly why clear and prominent labeling of non-flushable items and the adoption of smart flushing habits are so essential. I also think we have a great opportunity to dispel misinformation about what should and should not be flushed which has led to confusion about all disposable hygiene products and spurred misguided policies.
What challenge is the RFA addressing in the water sector?
It’s estimated that hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year to clean up fatbergs from our nation’s 800,000 miles of sewer pipes. Since the pandemic started in 2020, there has been a 50% increase in sewer blockages. Further, according to data from the California State Water Resources Control Board Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Reduction Program, 73 percent of all sanitary sewer overflows in California are caused by tree roots, fats, oils and grease (“FOG”), as well as debris. To tackle this problem, the California legislature passed Assembly Bill 818, which requires premoistened non-disposable wipes manufactured on or after July 1, 2022, to be labeled clearly with a “Do Not Flush” symbol. The legislation calls for the launch of a comprehensive education and outreach program to be managed by personal care product manufacturers. The RFA is stepping in to lead in the consumer education component while also equipping manufacturers with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to remain compliant with labeling requirements.
What are the goals short term and long term goals for the RFA?
The Responsible Flushing Alliance envisions great strides of improvement in America’s waterways and infrastructure as a result of corrected flushing habits. We aim to bring together California consumers, wastewater facilities, legislators, and manufacturers to set the example for the rest of the nation on how proper flushing habits not only contribute to a happy, healthy home and community, but also help improve the environment and prevent costly infrastructure failures.
You are the president of the RFA, what steps are you taking to encourage gender diversity and what are your hopes for the future for women in this sector?
The Responsible Flushing Alliance, an organization with a female president at the helm, acknowledges that poor flushing habits leads to unhealthy consequences that affect men and women alike. Our consumer education campaign is not solely focused on solving the problem for one demographic, but for everyone. For that reason, we work to ensure all our members and potential members embrace this diversity mindset to effectively empower women from all walks of life. Our messaging reflects that there is no gender requirement to be the primary decision-makers in a family’s health and household. Instead, we believe that any gender can lead by example in their home and carry our #FlushSmart message to their family and friends.
My hope is that the Responsible Flushing Alliance serves as a leading example of what can happen when women are given influential roles in leadership. They become involved enough to enact real change that betters each home, neighbourhood, municipality, and environment. Should the RFA succeed in influencing improved consumer behaviour around flushability, it will not only be a testament to the power of collaboration between sectors, but also of the effectiveness of women who contribute organized and innovative solutions to deeply complex issues.
