Cigarette butts are the most common form of plastic pollution in the world, with approximately 4.5 trillion individual butts contaminating our environment. Contrary to popular belief, cigarette butts are not made of cotton or paper but primarily consist of cellulose acetate, a man-made plastic material. This plastic waste often goes unnoticed due to its small size, but it is pervasive, appearing practically everywhere.
Cigarette butts contain hundreds of toxic chemicals, including arsenic, lead, and nicotine. The filters, or plastic parts of the butts, can take up to ten years to degrade, while the chemicals they release can persist in the environment for many more years. When cigarette butts are improperly disposed of, they leach these toxins into our water and soil systems, posing a significant threat to both people and the environment.
This issue disproportionately affects low-income communities of colour, which have higher smoking rates due to targeted marketing by the tobacco industry. These communities also face systemic inequities that hinder their access to health information and resources. Additionally, they often receive inadequate waste management services, exacerbating the effects of cigarette butt pollution and leading to contaminated waterways.
A 2022 study highlighted the impact of cigarette butts on marine life. Animals frequently ingest these plastics, resulting in serious health risks, including suffocation and increased mortality. Microplastics from cigarette butts have even been found in human tissues, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to ensure that cigarette butts are properly disposed of in waste bins or sent to recycling facilities. Programs like TerraCycle convert the acetate from butts into products such as ashtrays and shipping pallets. Smokers are encouraged to use designated disposal units or carry pocket ashtrays to collect their waste.
Cigarette butts account for 30-40% of all items collected in annual international coastal and urban cleanups since the 1980s. This underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to managing waste, controlling tobacco use, and addressing its broader environmental impacts.
Moreover, the environmental impact of tobacco extends beyond littering with cigarette butts. According to a recent World Health Organization report, tobacco farming contributes to nearly 5% of global deforestation, with 200,000 hectares of wood biomass lost annually.
Efforts to remove cigarette butt litter are labour-intensive. EARTHDAY.ORG has been at the forefront of this battle through The Great Global Cleanup. Since 2019, 91 million people from 211 locations, representing 95% of UN member countries, have participated in cleanups, removing 543,704 tons of waste. Despite this progress, much work remains to be done. The initiative will continue in 2024, and individuals are encouraged to join or organise their own cleanup events. By raising awareness of the dangers of smoking and advocating for better waste management systems, everyone can contribute to creating cleaner communities and a greener future.
Connecting to the UN Global Goals, this issue intersects with several targets, including Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). By addressing cigarette butt pollution, we can make significant strides toward achieving these global objectives.
Join the mission to protect our environment from cigarette butt pollution and promote sustainable practices for a healthier planet. Together, we can make a difference.
Sources: https://www.earthday.org/tiny-but-deadly-cigarette-butts-are-the-most-commonly-polluted-plastic/
More information: https://www.terracycle.com/ & https://www.earthday.org/
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