BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: The FCTC Article 18 has seen limited implementation across countries, despite its crucial role. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the 2022 World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) focused on the environmental impact of tobacco. Brazil further advanced the agenda during COP10, leading to a pivotal decision aimed at boosting Article 18’s enforcement. Annually, more than 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded, polluting soil, harming wildlife, and damaging marine ecosystems. Many people remain unaware of the severe toxicity of cigarette litter, which contains over 7.000 harmful compounds and can contaminate up to 1.000 liters of water per butt.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: Since WNTD 2022, ACT has spearheaded awareness initiatives on tobacco-related environmental risks. These efforts included the “Cigarette Butts Are Plastic” photo contest for adults and children, followed by a 2023 partnership with Johns Hopkins University and UNIFESP to conduct research on cigarette butt toxicity. The findings were summarized in a fact sheet on plastic pollution and NCDs.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: The photo contest attracted over 150 submissions, with five winners receiving awards. Selected photographs were featured in an exhibition of 24 images on plastic pollution and harmful products, displayed for a week at the National Congress and later presented online. The research culminated in a technical report, opinion articles, and informed debates in the National Congress. Inspired by the research, ACT organized an ocean crossing event in collaboration with a sea swimming team and a sustainability organization, which included a symbolic cigarette butt cleanup at Arpoador Beach. Over 6.000 cigarette butts were collected in one hour. To promote sustainable practices, ACT distributed seed paper fact sheets, designed to be shredded and planted after reading.
CONCLUSIONS: Raising public and policymaker awareness of tobacco waste’s environmental toll is essential. Holding tobacco companies accountable and implementing policies like the Plastic Treaty are critical steps in mitigating this impact.