Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of pollution in the world, significantly impacting the environment. Millions of cigarette butts end up on streets, in nature, and in waters every day, polluting the environment and threatening animals, as well as entering the human food chain through the food supply.
Studies show that cigarette filters, which are mainly made of cellulose acetate (a type of plastic), can take several years or even decades to fully decompose. Moreover, the plastic eventually breaks down into plastic dust, or microplastics, which remain in the environment forever, causing long-term pollution.
In Latvia's coastal areas, cigarette butts are one of the most common types of waste, making up a significant portion of collected waste. In the Liepaja beach area, cigarette butt pollution is a current problem.
This highlights the need for increased public awareness and improvements in infrastructure to reduce this pollution.
If you want to learn more about the harmful impact of cigarette butts on the environment, proper disposal methods, and discuss proposed solutions for environmental improvement/clean-up initiatives,
on April 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM, an informational seminar will be held at Liepaja Central Administration, 5 Peldu Street, Room 404. Everyone is invited to join the discussion on possible solutions to reduce cigarette butt pollution.
Environmental experts and local government representatives will participate in the seminar to share the latest research results, experiences, and planned actions to combat cigarette butt pollution.
Jānis Ulme, Director of the Environmental Education Fund – will talk about the issue of cigarette butt pollution and share the results of monitoring conducted over many years along the coast.
Māra Grants, Manager of the Green Josta LIFE Project – will introduce the objectives and achieved results of the LIFE integrated project "Waste as Resources in Latvia – Promoting Regional Sustainability and Circularity by Implementing the Waste as a Resource Concept."
Municipal representatives – will discuss planned solutions aimed at raising public awareness and reducing cigarette butt pollution in Liepaja.
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