Bin Yr Butts!

Casually discarded cigarette butts are the most common form of litter in the world. Most of these filters eventually make their way into waterways via storm water drains, wind, & tides.

The introduction of the Smokefree Amendments Act means that unless workable plans are put in place, cigarette litter is only going to get worse. Fortunately there are solutions.

CommunityAction is offering free portable ashtrays around the Tasman District. This grassroots effort is a simple way of reducing the impact our species has on our local environment.

In Australia, anyone carelessly tossing cigarette butts can be fined. Yet, around 1 in 3 cigarette filters sold in Australia end up as litter. Around 25 percent of adult New Zealanders smoke an average of 12 cigarettes a day. Spot fines won't prevent them all littering. Perhaps providing them with awareness of the environmental issues, and easy ways to dispose of their butts responsibly, will.

If we don't deal with this issue now, local waterways, fish & birds will suffer, & future generations will have another unfortunate legacy to cope with.