What is the most littered item in the world?
From an environmental standpoint, cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world. Annually, businesses collectively spend more than $9 billion working to clean this up. Fortunately, this is entirely preventable. By choosing to go tobacco-free, not only are businesses, organizations, and municipalities making a positive environmental impact and saving money, they are also improving the health of their communities by reducing second-hand smoke exposure. Another positive impact of going tobacco-free is eliminating tobacco use as a social norm, thus helping reduce teen initiation. CASA is here to offer education and resources, including signage, to help transition your grounds to a tobacco-free location.
Who goes tobacco free?
- Businesses and Organizations
Many businesses elect to go tobacco-free on their grounds to help protect the health of their employees. Typically, policies enforcing tobacco-free grounds include all types of tobacco products: cigarettes, chew, cigars, snuff, and e-cigarettes. All property, including parking lots, grass lots, or other outdoor areas, are included, with occasional exceptions. - Municipalities
Local municipalities often choose to go tobacco-free to enhance outdoor experiences without exposing community members to the negative effects of second-hand smoke. Often, select areas of town-owned land, including parks and playgrounds, are determined to be tobacco-free. However, respecting the health of all who utilize any town-owned property is beneficial.
How can you help?
Businesses, organizations, and municipalities each have different needs depending on their circumstances. It is important to consider all aspects of a situation before moving forward on such changes.
Contact us at [email protected] for assistance with policy development and signage.
