Conglomerations of Grossness

Left: not okay to flush. Right: maybe not okay either.

As public-spirited citizens we have been careful to put cleaning wipes in the garbage and have been disposing of moistened "flushable" wipes as indicated in the name.

It turns out that flushable wipes are a product whose kinks haven't been smoothed out:

Indestructible wipes are coalescing into conglomerations of grossness that are clogging the sewers, The New York Times reports.

Often, the wipes combine with other materials, like congealed grease, to create a sort of superknot. "They're really indestructible," said Vincent Sapienza, a deputy commissioner for the city's Department of Environmental Protection. "I guess that's the purpose."

If you must have a wet tissue, carry a cup of water into the stall to moisten (biodegradable) toilet paper.

Being environmentally conscious means setting aside one's squeamishness about biological functions, touching the garbage, and range anxiety. And getting used to the smells.