tobacco control and environmental protection
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Healthy Kids, Healthy Planet is now available in Dutch, English and Portuguese
mission
mission
Adopting an environmental perspective, our mission goes beyond highlighting the health risks of tobacco. We expose the wider environmental harm caused by the tobacco industry and its misleading ‘greenwashing’ tactics. By engaging young people, we aim to equip them with the tools to help build a cleaner, healthier planet for current and future generations.
We fully support the European Commission’s goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2040. Locally, we endorse Leuven 2030, that work towards carbon neutrality, and other city-led initiatives, such as LOV 2030, Leuven's candidacy to become European Capital of Culture.
about us and why we do this
about us and why we do this
I've always been conscious of the devastating effects of the tobacco industry on public health. However, in 2020, I began taking my baby to the local playgrounds in Leuven, and to my surprise, the sandpits were filled with cigarette butts. It was at that moment that I started researching the environmental catastrophe caused by this industry, from tobacco production to the waste generated by cigarette butts and "vaping" devices, as well as their greenwashing tactics. To protect our planet and future generations, I set in motion "Bin Your Butts Leuven". Marília Breite - Project Lead of Bin Your Butts Leuven
healthy kids healthy planet - our children's book
healthy kids healthy planet - our children's book
Healthy Kids Healthy Planet - How to protect our health and nature from cigarettes and vapes is the first science-based book for children aged 7–10 addressing the health and environmental impacts of smoking and vaping. Intended for both home and school use, it combines clear language, illustrations, and practical activities to support early prevention.
Endorsed by Dr Guido Van Hal (University of Antwerp), the Smoking Cessation Team at UZ Leuven, and Dr Tânia M. Cavalcante (National Cancer Institute, Brazil / WHO FCTC). Available in English, Dutch, and Portuguese. Learn more about the book
4,5 trillion
4,5 trillion
cigarette butts are improperly disposed of annually, making them the most littered item on earth.
source: World Health Organization
4.000
4.000
chemicals, including toxic heavy metals and carcinogenic compounds, are present in cigarette butts.
5%
5%
of the deforestation in the world is caused by the tobacco industry
15.000 deaths
15.000 deaths
in Belgium caused by smoking, equal to two deaths every hour.
source: Dr Filip Lardon (UAntwerpen)
€11 billion
€11 billion
Belgium alone spends each year on direct and indirect costs from tobacco.
10 years
10 years
is the time that a cigarette butt can take to decompose, as they are made of plastic (acetate-cellulose).
support us and make the world a better place
support us and make the world a better place
Support the team of volunteers by buying our book, sponsoring our events and actions, or simply becoming a partner and donating. Contact us for more information. Feel free to connect us with policy makers, journalists, and people who can support us. binyourbuttsleuven@gmail.com
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