Bag the Butts
This Year Marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day!
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, every year. The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement and was first celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator from Wisconsin organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe. We invite you to join us in celebrating 50 years of Earth Day! There is so much we can do to protect our planet. Learn more and get involved in Earth Day 2020 here.
Bag the Butts™
This spring, due to COVID-19 precautions, we are unable to support large-scale Bag the Butts™ community clean-up activities, but you can celebrate Earth Day at home with a yard or neighborhood clean-up!
years to decompose and leaching toxins into the ground and water. Breathe New Hampshire's Bag the Butts™ has been promoting state-wide community clean-ups for over 10 years to raise awareness of the environmental impact of cigarette litter while educating people on the risks associated with tobacco use.
Why Should We Bag the Butts?
- 98% of all cigarette filters are made of very thin plastic fibers, called cellulose acetate.
- Under optimal conditions, cigarette filters can take 9 months to many years to decompose, breakdown or degrade.
- Cigarette butts are the most littered item on earth.
- Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds & other marine animals.
- Toxic chemicals, such as cadmium, lead & arsenic can leach from cigarette butts into the water and soil.
- Discarded cigarette butts can start forest fires.
- Cigarette butts are small enough to be eaten by children and small animals.