September is Tobacco Free Florida Parks and Beaches Education Month, an initiative focused on reducing tobacco-related litter in the state’s public outdoor spaces.
Cigarette butts are the most commonly littered item in public places, according to Tobacco Free Florida. The organization says discarded filters can release toxic chemicals and introduce materials including plastic, arsenic, tar, lead and ammonia into the environment.
The litter can pose a risk to small animals and children who come into contact with it, while also affecting the appearance of parks and beaches. Tobacco Free Florida says cities and counties spend millions cleaning up cigarette butts, and that lighters and e-cigarettes are also common harmful items collected during park and beach cleanups.
Cleanup events and educational activities may be planned in counties around Florida during September. Residents can check TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/Get-Involved to see whether an event is scheduled locally.
The campaign also encourages smokers to make a plan to quit through Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way resources.
