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To encourage environmentally friendly habits and reduce the amount of cigarette butts entering the environment, a series of educational infographics has been developed within the LIFE integrated project “Waste To Resources Latvia”. The series was created by Ltd “Zaļā josta”, which has been carrying out public awareness and education activities in the field of environmental protection for more than twenty years.

The third infographic focuses on practical solutions showing how every smoker can reduce their impact on the environment.

Although cigarette butts are among the most common forms of litter worldwide, addressing this problem often does not require complex or costly measures. Everyday habits can make a decisive difference.

Responsible behaviour means disposing of cigarette butts only in designated places, such as ashtrays or special disposal containers. Where such infrastructure is not available, a practical solution is to use a pocket ashtray. This allows cigarette butts to be safely stored until they can be disposed of through the waste collection system.

Ltd “Zaļā josta” also reminds the public that dropping cigarette butts on the ground, on lawns, on beaches or into stormwater drains is not harmless, as these waste items enter the environment and become a long-term source of pollution. Deliberately disposing of cigarette butts through the sewer system is also improper, as it can affect the operation of sewer systems and harm the bacteria used in biological wastewater treatment processes, which are essential for treating wastewater before it is discharged into the environment.

The campaign’s key message is simple: making the right choice takes only a few seconds, but its positive impact on the environment lasts much longer. Through individual actions, everyone can help reduce pollution and contribute to a cleaner environment in Latvia.

Image credit: Lindsay Fox / Pixabay