Pollution prevention, or P2 for short, is a practice in wastewater treatment that helps reduce, eliminate or prevent water pollution prior to recycling, disposal or treatment. It is often more cost-effective to prevent pollution before it happens than it is to pay for wastewater treatment, resource recovery or disposal of waste products. When less pollution is created, we can better protect human health and the environment.
To celebrate the efforts of pollution prevention across the District (and the ongoing impact by our P2 team) we’ve created a special social media toolkit to share during national Pollution Prevention Week, generally held the third full week in September. The goal is to help highlight awareness of pollution prevention efforts and reduce the negative impacts of pollution in our communities. Help reduce pollution in our waterways and encourage good behaviors by sharing these messages on your social media channels.
Social action and activities for Pollution Prevention Week
SOCIAL Media Post Ideas
Use the suggested copy and graphics on your social media channels, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Be sure to tag @MadMetroSewer and use the hashtags #PollutionPreventionWeek and #P2Week in your posts!
To download photos on desktop, right-click on the colored square and select the “Save image as…” prompt. Images can be cropped to a 16:9 ratio in a standard photo editor, as needed.
On iOS mobile, press and hold photo to access the “Add to Photos” prompt.
Post copy:
Only pee, poop, puke and (toilet) paper should be flushed down the toilet. Everything else is not flushable and belongs in the trash. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @MadMetroSewer
https://www.madsewer.org/pollution-prevention/nonflushables/
Post copy:
Toilets are not trash cans! Unflushable items like wipes, dental floss, tampons or applicators, and more should all go in the garbage can, not the toilet. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @MadMetroSewer
https://www.madsewer.org/pollution-prevention/nonflushables/
Post copy:
Help protect freshwater – curb your salt use at home or in your business! From softener efficiency to smart salting in winter, you can make a difference in reducing chloride pollution. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week #KeepFreshWaterFresh @WISaltWise @MadMetroSewer
https://www.madsewer.org/pollution-prevention/chloride/
Post copy:
Don’t use more salt than needed at home! Check your water softener efficiency with this self-screen tool and find ways to reduce salt use all year long. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @MadMetroSewer
https://www.madsewer.org/pollution-prevention/chloride/for-residents/
Post copy:
On sidewalks and streets, a little bit of salt can go a long way. Protect freshwater from salt pollution with these tips to reduce winter salt use. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @WISaltWise @MadMetroSewer
https://www.wisaltwise.com/Take-Action/Smart-Salting
Post copy:
Algae in our local waters is gross! It grows, in part, from excess phosphorus. For cleaner water, use these tips to reduce phosphorus runoff, like keeping leaves and grass clippings off streets. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @MadMetroSewer
https://www.madsewer.org/news-resources/blog/simple-ways-to-reduce-phosphorus-pollution/
Post copy:
Old medications and unused prescriptions need responsible disposal. Help prevent pollution of local waters by taking pharma waste to a MedDrop box or safe disposal site. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @MadMetroSewer
https://www.madsewer.org/pollution-prevention/pharma-waste/
Post copy:
Safely dispose of household chemicals and hazardous waste at Dane County Clean Sweep to help keep local waters clean. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @MadMetroSewer
https://landfill.countyofdane.com/services/clean-sweep
Post copy:
FOGs (fats, oils and greases) clog drains! Avoid problems with plumping and pipes by properly disposing of FOGs. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week @MadMetroSewer
https://www.madsewer.org/news-resources/blog/fogs-clog-no-fats-oils-and-greases-in-drains/
Post copy:
PFAS in the environment is an increasing issue across the nation. Learn more about local PFAS trends from @MadMetroSewer and ways to help reduce or eliminate your PFAS use. #PollutionPreventionWeek #P2Week
https://madsewerpfasinitiative.org/
Get Creative!
- Post graphics as individual posts throughout the week -or- create a slideshow for a colorful post with movement.
- Craft your own messages about reducing pollution in wastewater during #P2Week.
- Tag water partners and water warriors in your post.
- Use additional hashtags like: #P2 #PollutionPrevention #WastewaterTreatment #OneWater #KeepFreshWaterFresh
- Encourage your friends to share the messages, far and wide!
Activity Ideas For POLLUTION PREVENTION WEEK
- Take a virtual tour of the wastewater treatment plant to learn more about why pollution prevention is important.
- Learn with Wisconsin Salt Wise and/or other lessons for K-12 students.
- Reduce salt use at home through water softener efficiency and smart winter salting techniques.
- Read the Pollution Prevention section of our blog for P2 tips and tricks
Article and materials created by Amy Steger
