Why Wet Wipes Are Bad for the Environment | Hyssop Cleanse

Why Wet Wipes Are Bad for the Environment | Hyssop Cleanse


Why Wet Wipes Harm the Planet and Why Tissue-Based Hygiene Wins



Wet wipes may look harmless, but they’re one of the biggest hidden sources of pollution in the UK. Behind every “flushable” label lies plastic fibres, blocked sewers, and tonnes of waste that never break down.


In this post, we’ll uncover what really happens when wipes go down the drain, and why switching to tissue-first hygiene supported by clean, natural products like Hyssop Cleanse makes a lasting difference.





The Hidden Problem Inside Wet Wipes



  • Up to 90 % of wet wipes contain plastic fibres such as polyester and polypropylene, which don’t biodegrade in water.
    (Source: DAERA-NI Gov.uk)
  • “Flushable” wipes rarely disintegrate in real sewer conditions, creating long-lasting microplastics.
    (Source: PubMed Review 2022)
  • In 2025, Thames Water removed a 100-tonne fatberg made mostly of wipes and cooking oil. Each year, water companies spend millions clearing similar blockages.
    (Source: The Guardian)



Every wipe flushed contributes to sewer backups, local flooding, and marine pollution. Once these fibres reach rivers, they fragment into microplastics that contaminate fish and eventually the food chain.





Why Tissue-First Hygiene Is Kinder to You and the Planet



Toilet tissue is engineered to break apart quickly in water, preventing blockages and reducing waste.

When made from unbleached or bamboo fibres, it’s biodegradable and far less abrasive on sensitive skin.


Adding a gentle, natural cleansing spray (like Hyssop Cleanse) makes tissue use more hygienic without the environmental burden of wipes.

This simple swap keeps your routine clean, skin-safe, and planet-friendly.





Environmental and Policy Shifts



  • Governments are moving to ban plastic-based wipes across the UK and Europe.
    (Source: DAERA NI 2025 announcement)
  • Researchers confirm that wipes release microplastics that harm marine ecosystems and wastewater systems.
    (Source: Envirotech Online)



Sustainability isn’t a trend anymore  it’s a necessity.





Better Hygiene, Less Waste: 4 Easy Steps



  1. Switch to unbleached or bamboo tissue.
  2. Use a mild cleansing spray for freshness instead of wipes.
  3. Never flush wipes, even if labelled “flushable.”
  4. Educate friends and family about sustainable hygiene choices.



Small daily swaps create massive impact over time.





Final Thoughts



Wet wipes promise convenience but deliver pollution. By returning to smarter, natural hygiene habits soft tissue, gentle spray, zero plastics you protect both your body and the planet.


Explore how Hyssop Cleanse pairs eco-friendly tissue with a natural spray to keep you clean, confident, and sustainable every day.

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