why
4,5 trillion
cigarette butts are improperly disposed of annually, making them the most littered item on earth.
4.000
chemicals, including toxic heavy metals and carcinogenic compounds, are present in cigarette butts.
10 years
is the time that a cigarette butt can take to decompose, as they are made of plastic (acetate-cellulose).
the growing consumption of eletronic cigarettes also poses a triple threat to our planet: a combination of plastic waste, hazardous waste and electronic waste
academic references
"Cigarette butts as litter - Toxic as well as ugly" by Novotny et al. (2011) - This study discusses the toxicity of cigarette butts as litter and their impact on the environment and public health. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088408/
"Cigarette Butt Pollution: A Global Environmental Hazard" by Slaughter et al. (2011) - This study explores the environmental hazards associated with cigarette butt pollution and proposes strategies for reducing cigarette butt waste. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3416646/
"Cigarette butt pollution: a review of the adverse effects on soil and plants" by Pérez-Pantoja et al. (2018) - This study reviews the impact of cigarette butt pollution on soil and plants and its consequences for the environment. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880917311601
"Cigarette butts and the case for an environmental policy on hazardous cigarette waste" by Boucher and Friebel (2016) - This study argues that cigarette butt pollution should be treated as a hazardous waste due to its impact on the environment and public health. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4799747/
"Toxicity of cigarette butts, and their chemical components, to marine and freshwater fish" by Borelli et al. (2019) - This study investigates the toxicity of cigarette butts and their chemical components to marine and freshwater fish. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004565351930261X
we rely on your support to drive the change we seek
By sponsoring our cause, sharing valuable insights, or simply showing respect for our work, you have the power to ignite transformation. Get in touch with us at contact@binyourbutts.org and become a part of the solution. Together, let's shape a cleaner, greener future for Leuven.
