RFA’s #FlushSmart Consumer Education Campaign Kicks Off on Inaugural "Flush Smart Day" with Aims to Improve Responsible Flushing Habits in California and Beyond
SACRAMENTO, June 30, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) accepted a resolution issued by the office of California Assembly Member Richard Bloom to recognize July 1 as "Flush Smart Day." The inaugural observance to take place Friday will also mark the official launch of RFA’s consumer education campaign aimed at improving proper flushing habits in homes and businesses in California and the across the nation.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220630005327/en/
If you see this symbol on disposable wipes, dispose of them in the trash and never the toilet. (Graphic: Business Wire)
California’s Proper Labeling of Wet Wipes law (Assembly Bill 818), was passed last October through the leadership of Assembly Member Bloom, establishing requirements for the proper labeling of disposable wipes with the "Do Not Flush" symbol and support of a consumer education campaign. In accordance with the law, RFA officially launches its #FlushSmart campaign, which includes a series of educational materials, in both English and Spanish, and resources for consumers, educators, wastewater agencies and other stakeholder groups regarding what should not be flushed down the toilet.
"At times of drought and lower flows in our state, maintaining proper flushing habits is paramount to helping protect our critical infrastructure," said Bloom. "These efforts, as well as the debut of the 'Do Not Flush' symbol on product packaging, will help protect our communities’ precious groundwater and other fresh water sources from potential contamination."
Washington, Oregon and Illinois also have similar labeling laws for non-flushable wipes. This ensures that consumers across the country will have the opportunity to learn about what not to flush by seeing the "Do Not Flush" symbol prominently featured on non-flushable wipes packaging.
"We are pioneering a first-of-its kind educational initiative to fix a very simple but serious issue in the state of California and other parts of the country," said RFA President Lara Wyss. "Nearly 60 percent of consumers indicated in a 2021 survey that they have disposed of something non-flushable in the toilet during the previous year. That is why 'Flush Smart Day,' and the #FlushSmart campaign, is so critical in helping to reverse this negative trend impacting our wastewater systems."
The campaign launch showcases the collaboration among government, wastewater, environmental, and industry groups to create meaningful solutions to problems caused by consumers flushing the wrong products down the toilet. The RFA and its members are fighting to spread greater awareness of the "Do Not Flush" symbol, which is now prominently displayed on non-flushable wipes packaging.
"By educating Californians to practice smart flushing habits, we can influence a decrease in undue pressure on our pipes, pumps and waste treatment plants so they can safely run at optimal levels and keep waste in its place," said Adam Link, Executive Director, California Association of Sanitation Agencies
Support for the #FlushSmart educational campaign includes those who helped spearhead the law, including Assemblymember Bloom, the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), and the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC). RFA’s campaign represents the industry’s first national consumer education effort focused on what not to flush.
"Removing plastics from our waterways is of the utmost importance to preserving our environment and drinking water," said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director, National Stewardship Action Council. "Prominent Do Not Flush labeling is critical to providing 'truth in labeling' so the public knows these products belong in a waste bin, not the toilet."
There are four states that currently have labeling laws related to non-flushable wipes: Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and California. All of the laws go into effect on July 1.
In October 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 818 by Assemblymember Richard Bloom into law, requiring all packaging for diaper wipes, cleaning wipes, cosmetic wipes, among others, to display clear "Do Not Flush" labels. The bill is the result of a three-year effort between representatives from wastewater and product stewardship groups and wipes manufacturers to address an urgent pollution problem that has plagued public wastewater infrastructure. The legislation established disposal labeling requirements for wet wipes packaging and requires manufacturers of wipes to educate the public on the impacts of flushing wipes improperly.
The RFA invites everyone to help celebrate the milestone of establishing a first-of-its-kind consumer education campaign and learn more about the "Do Not Flush" symbol and #FlushSmart campaign. For more information about the campaign in California, visit https://flushsmartcalifornia.org or for general educational information about RFA, visit https://flushsmart.org.
The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to consumer education focused on what not to flush. RFA’s goal is to change consumer behavior to help reduce damage to our nation’s sewage systems caused by objects and materials not designed to be flushed. Member companies supporting RFA include: Andritz, Albaad, Clorox, Dude Products, Dukal LLC, Essity, First Quality, Glatfelter, GOJO, Johnson & Johnson, Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Kimberly-Clark, Nehemiah Manufacturing, Nice-Pak and PDI, Papel Aralar, Procter & Gamble, Rockline Industries, Sellars Nonwovens, Suominen Corp., Spartan Chemical, and Reckitt.
About the California Association of Sanitation Agencies
CASA represents more than 125 local public agencies engaged in the collection, treatment and recycling of wastewater and biosolids to protect public health and the environment. Our mission is to provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources.
About the National Stewardship Action Council
The National Stewardship Action Council is a network of committed proponents comprised of governments, non-government organizations, businesses, and consumers who advocate that producers fairly share responsibility in a circular and equitable economy.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220630005327/en/
Contact: Lara Wyss lara@flushsmart.org
Consumer packaged goods companies -- think PepsiCo or Nabisco -- face steep challenges from the rising cost of living and distribution. As inflation continues unabated, consumers' disposable income isn't going as far as it used to while products are becoming more expensive to ship. While founded long before the pandemic, Steve King says that Black Swan Data, the data science and tech company that he helped co-launch in 2011, is well-suited to the current environment.
(Bloomberg) -- A $52 billion package of incentives and subsidies to bolster US semiconductor manufacturing is far from dead, despite Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s threat to scuttle the legislation containing it in order to stall passage of President Joe Biden’s economic plan.Most Read from BloombergCrypto Meltdown Claims Rolex and Patek Philippe as VictimsUS Will Face High Gas Prices ‘as Long as It Takes,’ Biden SaysHow Europe Became the Epicenter for This Summer’s Travel ChaosThe W
Americans have been eager to receive more COVID-19 stimulus money in their bank accounts, especially as inflation has surged and the price of gas has reached new records. The federal government hasn't stepped up to the plate to provide it, but that doesn't mean more money isn't coming. In one state, a budget compromise reached recently will result in residents receiving payments of up to $1,050.
China has snubbed troubled aircraft maker Boeing after three of its national flag carriers placed orders worth $37bn (£31bn) with rival Airbus.
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell admitted that there is “no guarantee” that the central bank can avoid a hard recession, introducing market fears that the Fed may not follow through on its plans to raise rates to 3.8%.
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration opened the door to selling new oil and gas drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska in a move likely to anger climate activists pushing to see a domestic ramp down for fossil fuels.Most Read from BloombergCrypto Meltdown Claims Rolex and Patek Philippe as VictimsUS Will Face High Gas Prices ‘as Long as It Takes,’ Biden SaysHow Europe Became the Epicenter for This Summer’s Travel ChaosThe Wheels Have Come Off Electric VehiclesNetflix Crashes After ‘
The parent company of Donald Trump’s Truth Social app was subpoenaed (pdf) on June 30 as part of a criminal investigation into its troubled attempt to go public through a blank-check company, Digital World Acquisition Corporation (DWAC). Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), which owns Truth Social, was subpoenaed for information about the deal along with unnamed current and former employees of TMTG. It’s unclear if Trump was among them.
(Bloomberg) -- Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell said he will block bipartisan legislation to boost US competition with China and provide subsidies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing as long as Democrats pursue a go-it-alone economic package.Most Read from BloombergCrypto Meltdown Claims Rolex and Patek Philippe as VictimsUS Will Face High Gas Prices ‘as Long as It Takes,’ Biden SaysHow Europe Became the Epicenter for This Summer’s Travel ChaosThe Wheels Have Come Off Electric VehiclesNetf
Such a project would be less difficult than other aqueducts and pipelines already built.
President Vladimir Putin has raised the stakes in an economic war with the West and its allies with a decree that seizes full control of the Sakhalin-2 gas and oil project in Russia's far east, a move that could force out Shell and Japanese investors. The order, signed on Thursday, creates a new firm to take over all rights and obligations of Sakhalin Energy Investment Co, in which Shell and two Japanese trading companies Mitsui and Mitsubishi hold just under 50%. The five-page decree, which follows Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, indicates the Kremlin will now decide whether the foreign partners can stay.
MAZURENKO ALONA - THURSDAY, 30 JUNE 2022, 17:50 The Russian occupiers are withdrawing weapons and military equipment from storage in the most remote regions of Russia such as Kaliningrad Oblast and Sakhalin Island.
The Russian government moves to take over Sakhalin-2 in which Shell has a share of more than a quarter.
If we're already in a recession, it's the best recession ever.
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a highly anticipated opinion on Thursday that curbed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate fossil fuels.
As a new state law dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act” took effect Friday, businesses and a university professor continued battling to block its restrictions on how race-related concepts can be addressed in workplace training and schools.
China's ambassador to South Korea has urged Seoul to rethink its pivot away from China amid a diplomatic row over South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's participation in the Nato summit this week. In a speech on Thursday, Xing Haiming also brushed aside growing criticism of China at the summit, including remarks by Yoon hinting that China is a threat to "universal values". Speaking at a seminar on Thursday to mark the 30th anniversary of China's ties with South Korea, Xing slammed Washington's "
More than four months after Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on drug charges, the WNBA superstar appeared in a Russian court for the first time as her trial got underway Friday. NBC’s Keir Simmons reports for TODAY.
Despite China's recent restrictions, CY Leung claims Hong Kong has more autonomy than in 1997.
`The former president acts like a child who is a character but personally lacks character.’ | Opinion
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/TwitterThe war in Ukraine is no stranger to drones, but the kamikaze drone strike on the Russian city of Rostov last week marked the beginning of a whole chapter in drone warfare. A small ramshackle Ukrainian drone with a tiny warhead flew across the heavily defended front line and smashed into an oil refinery in Russia on June 22, causing a large fire. Given how cheap it is to make a drone, and its successful evasion of Russian air defenses,