Young Smart Cities Learning Situation on:
SMART CAMPAINGS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOILET USE
KNOWLEDGE PILLS relevant to this SMART theme are:
Driving Question
How can an educational campaign effectively raise awareness among young people about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet and sink, and why this matters for sewage systems?
Learning Situation
Many people are unaware of how everyday behaviours — such as what is flushed down the toilet or poured into the sink — affect sewage systems, water quality, and public health. Items like wet wipes, sanitary products, fats, oils, or chemicals can cause blockages, sewer overflows, and pollution of rivers and seas. As cities grow and face increasing pressure from climate change and population growth, well-functioning sewage systems are essential for protecting the environment and ensuring clean water and sanitation. Raising awareness and encouraging responsible behaviour, especially among young people, is therefore a key challenge for sustainable cities.
Task
Design an evidence-based proposal responding to your local authority’s request for educational solutions on responsible toilet and sink use. Working in groups, you will design an educational campaign aimed at young people, such as a digital campaign, school-based initiative, or multimedia communication concept. Your task is to clearly explain what should and should not be flushed, why this matters for sewage systems and the environment, and how your campaign can effectively raise awareness and influence everyday behaviour. Your goal is to show that your campaign is realistic, age-appropriate, and effective.
Make sure you follow an enquiry-based approach so your proposal is grounded in solid, evidence-based reasoning. You will move through these stages:
Explore → Research → Analyse → Ideate → Present → Reflect