The Daily Bulletin Archive

From 1996 to 2000, international marine debris collectors found over 6 million cigarette filters on beaches, followed by over 3 million food bags. Where do all the cigarette filters come from? Much of the blame must be placed on careless beachgoers, but they are not the only source. Smokers who flick cigarette filters out of a car window, stamp cigarettes out on a sidewalk, or dump out their car ashtrays in a parking lot contribute to the marine debris problem. Cigarette filters can wash or blow down storm drains that lead into our local waterways and eventually, the ocean. Cigarette butts should be disposed of in ashtrays and, if there isn't one available, portable ashtrays are a convenient solution. If you'd like a portable ashtray, call EVERGREEN at ext. 6835 while supplies last!