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Dropping cigarette butts to the ground, in waterways, in vegetation is all LITTERING!
In the past decade, cigarette smoking in America has decreased 28 percent, yet cigarette butts remain the most littered item in Arkansas, in the U.S., and across the globe. Cigarette butts contain artificial fibers that are not biodegradable and may contain chemicals that can leach out into our water systems. They are also mistaken as a food source by all types of wildlife.
Why do smokers litter? Mostly, it’s lack of awareness about the environmental impact and insufficient ash receptacles. New ordinances are also moving more smokers outdoors or to designated areas.
When it comes to cigarette butt litter, we all pay.
Residents and businesses “pick up” the tab.
Cigarette butt litter has to be cleaned up. This requires additional sidewalk and street sweeping, greenway and park maintenance, storm drain cleaning, and increased maintenance of storm water filters. Our local business owners bear the expense of cigarette butt litter cleanup around entrances, exits, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Community quality-of-life suffers.
Not paying attention to these quality-of-life issues can result in a decline in our city and county’s foot traffic, tourism, business development, and housing. Focusing on small improvements, like reducing cigarette butt litter, creates safer and more economically vibrant community for Hot Springs and Garland County.
Recreation areas become less attractive. Cigarette butt litter on our lake front beaches, boat ramps, ball fields, parks, picnic areas and hiking trails can significantly decrease the appeal of these natural sites. It also creates fire hazards, impacts local wildlife, and eventually contributes to lost tourism and revenue.
That is why your Beautification Commission has been involved in cigarette litter prevention programs for five years and has been highlighted in USA Today, won several national awards and Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality’s ENVY award for these innovative interventions and studies. In 2011 your Commission is partnering with the Corps of Engineers to launch one of the largest (by area) cigarette Litter Prevention Programs in the USA. Thanks to a grant from Keep America Beautiful and Philip Morris USA, an Altria company, forty sites all around Lake Ouachita will be studied for the changes in cigarette litter after a series of interventions.
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Keep your butts where they belong with a free pocket ashtray! Your Commission has a limited supply of sturdy, reusable pocket ashtrays. The ashtrays measure 3 inches long, 2-1/8 inches wide and 5/8 of an inch thick and have a metal liner. The sliding cover shuts securely to prevent any spills in your pocket or purse. To get your free portable ashtray, complete and submit the form below or call 501- 655- 2161 to see how you can pick up yours!
External Links:
www.Preventcigarettelitter.org
www.cigarettelitter.org
Thank you for your volunteerism!
To all our Valued Volunteers…
Please Think Safety First!
Contact UsKelsey Ramsey, Executive Director
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