Up-the-Pipe Solutions: A Best Practice Framework to Engage Communities in Reducing Chemical Contamination in Waste

Up-the-Pipe Solutions: A Best Practice Framework to Engage Communities in Reducing Chemical Contamination in Waste

Anthropogenic chemicals are fundamental for maintaining our standard of living in modern society. Unfortunately, some chemicals are persistent and can enter waste streams and, ultimately, the environment. Commonly used household products, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are not...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pollutants Vol. 3; no. 4; pp. 494 - 506
Main Authors: Tremblay, Louis A., Ataria, James M., Challenger, Ian, Horswell, Jacqui, Baker, Virginia, Langer, E. R. Lisa, Leckie, Alan, Champeau, Olivier, Siggins, Alma, Northcott, Grant L.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Waterloo MDPI AG 03-11-2023
Subjects:
behavioural pattern
Chemical contaminants
chemical pollution
Chemicals
Cleaning compounds
Households
Personal grooming
school
Society
survey
Sustainability
The Natural Step
waste
Water treatment
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Summary:Anthropogenic chemicals are fundamental for maintaining our standard of living in modern society. Unfortunately, some chemicals are persistent and can enter waste streams and, ultimately, the environment. Commonly used household products, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are notable sources of contaminants. The aim of this study was to develop an ‘Up-the-Pipe Solutions’ framework to raise awareness within the wider community about the presence and potential risks of the chemicals found in household products. There is potential to reduce the levels of contaminants in waste streams or substitute them with less harmful alternatives by raising awareness. This framework is based on ‘The Natural Step’ and the concept of essentiality; it recognises the importance of engaging with communities to raise awareness of each individual’s contribution to the problem. Our daily activities and behavioural patterns can have adverse consequences, including the release of persistent contaminants in main waste streams from our kitchens, bathrooms, and green wastes. The ‘Up-the-Pipe Solutions’ framework was successfully used in a small community to engage with school children, local authorities, and Māori leaders to raise awareness of chemical pollution.
ISSN:2673-4672
2673-4672
DOI:10.3390/pollutants3040034