Not only does tobacco negatively impact the health of individuals, it also endangers the health of the environment. Tobacco product waste includes plastic cigarette butts, e-cigarette batteries/cartridges/plastic casings, cigar tips, hazardous nicotine and other chemicals and metals, as well as plastic wrapping of all kinds. All forms of tobacco product waste are damaging to the environment and are disproportionately concentrated in and around where tobacco products are sold.
Goals for Reducing Tobacco-Related Environmental Waste
To reduce tobacco-related environmental waste, implement policies mandating biodegradable packaging and recyclable materials for cigarettes. Incentivize innovation in eco-friendly alternatives and raise public awareness through campaigns on responsible disposal.
Collaborative efforts between government, industry, and the public are key to minimizing environmental impact and fostering sustainability.
