Stop Polluting Waterways and Natural Areas With Cigarette Butts

Target: Jared Blumenfield, Secretary of California Environmental Protection Agency

Goal: Reduce the devastating effects of discarded cigarette butts.

In 2005, an estimated 135 million pounds of cigarette butts were dumped into the U.S. environment. Worldwide, there are over 1.69 billion pounds of cigarette butts that end up as waste each year.  They are the most common toxic waste found in cleanups and the number one item of trash found on California highways. Contrary to popular belief they do not decompose completely.

The chemicals found in cigarette butts are highly toxic to freshwater micro-organisms. In 2010 alone, over one million cigarettes were removed from California beaches and inland waterways. They are also poisonous when ingested by children or animals, to the point where just one may be lethal.  

Tobacco is harmful to the environment through production and use. Roughly one tree is consumed for every 300 cigarettes produced, one tree for every one and a half cartons. Smoking poses a direct threat to California’s wild spaces. Discarded cigarette butts have been linked to large wildfires, resulting in the destruction of both wildlife and property. Cigarette-induced fires claim hundreds of lives in California each year and millions of dollars in property damage.

Act now to reduce toxic waste from cigarette butts.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Secretary Blumenfield,

Cigarette butts are the most common toxic waste found in cleanups; the number one item of trash found on California highways. They do not ever decompose completely. 

The toxic chemicals found in cigarette butts are highly toxic to sea life, land animals, and children. They are also poisonous to the point where just one may be lethal.  

Tobacco is harmful to the environment through production and use. Roughly one tree is consumed for every 300 cigarettes produced, one tree for every one and a half cartons. Smoking poses a direct threat to California’s wild spaces. Discarded cigarette butts have been linked to large wildfires, resulting in the destruction of both wildlife and property. Cigarette-induced fires claim hundreds of lives in California each year and millions of dollars in property damage.

Please, act quickly to reduce the pollution and devastation caused by discarded cigarette butts.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo By: rkit