Discover this podcast and so much more

Podcasts are free to enjoy without a subscription. We also offer ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more for just $11.99/month.

March of the Wet Wipes

March of the Wet Wipes

FromCosting the Earth


March of the Wet Wipes

FromCosting the Earth

ratings:
Length:
28 minutes
Released:
Nov 13, 2018
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Over the last decade, wet wipes have become ubiquitous. There's a wipe for almost everything, from faces to furniture, and it's a multi-million pound industry. But our sewerage systems are paying the price. Tom Heap goes on a call-out with the teams whose job is unblocking the drains - and finds that the culprits are usually wet wipes. It doesn't stop with the sewers: wipes can now be found in their millions on our beaches and in our rivers - where they are affecting wildlife, and in some cases even changing the shape of the riverbed itself. Water companies say that nothing but pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. Many wipes are labelled "do not flush" - but Tom talks to experts who cast doubt over whether even the ones marked "flushable" really are.

Producer: Emma Campbell
Released:
Nov 13, 2018
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Fresh ideas from the sharpest minds working toward a cleaner, greener planet