British businesses are invited to take part in a world-first national campaign and awareness month, Unblocktober, which will be launching in October 2019 in a bid to fight pollution and help save the UK’s sewers and seas.

It follows survey data from the national wastewater and drainage solutions provider Lanes Group plc showing that three times as many people are less eco-friendly at work than they are at home.

Developed and spearheaded by Lanes Group, Unblocktober will provide businesses with a groundbreaking new way of demonstrating their CSR credentials and commitment to environmental protection, while helping to change their daily habits in a positive way.

The campaign is backed by the Love Water initiative, which includes over 40 organisations and is jointly led by the Environment Agency and Water UK. Unblocktober is also officially supported by leading industry organisations such as Thames Water, Southern Water, Yorkshire Water, The Future Water Association, The Rivers Trust and many more.  

The campaign has already attracted more than 1,000 participants, including businesses and individuals. 

Workplaces must commit to ensure they are putting none of the following items down their drains or toilets throughout the month of October:

• Cooking oil - pre or post-cooking

• Margarine

• Butter

• Lard

• Cooking sauces and condiments

• Food - even crumbs!

• Anything containing plastic, including: 

  • Wet wipes

  • Tampons, applicators and wrappers

  • Sanitary/menstrual pads and towels

  • Nappies

  • Condoms

  • Cotton buds

  • Contact lenses

  • Bandages and plasters

  • Razor blades

  • Dental floss

By taking part, British businesses will be doing their bit to tackle a very real problem that threatens the UK’s drains and waterways. Research from Lanes shows that 48% of the nation is guilty of pouring fats, oil and grease (FOG) down their drains*, which contributes to the formation of fatbergs and other stubborn blockages in the sewer system.

Michelle Ringland from Unblocktober said: “Environmental activism is becoming more mainstream than ever before - and company leaders will be well aware that the public now expects the business community to step up and do their bit to protect the planet.

“Unblocktober provides a fantastic new way for the British business community to make a vital and visible contribution to an important environmental cause, and mark themselves out as a company that cares.

“Through Unblocktober, we’re hoping to make small but meaningful changes to everyday habits, which will add up to make a big difference. Companies that do their bit to support and promote the campaign will be playing a key role in helping to save our sewers and seas for future generations.”

To sign up and find out more information about Unblocktober, visit unblocktober.org.