It takes 10-12 years for a cigarette butt to decompose. That’s more than twice as long as plywood, wool socks, and milk cartons.
Did you know that? I didn’t, until I read the stat in MaryJane’s Farm Magazine, quoting the B.C. organization Change Everything. The fact prompted me to write this letter to voice something that’s peeved me for ages: Why is it socially acceptable to litter cigarette butts?
I don’t mean to engage in smoker bashing. I have the utmost empathy for folks struggling against the addictive powers of tobacco. I simply wish to point out that cigarette butts belong in trash cans. Cigarette butts are revolting. They look horrid strewn about. So please, if you smoke, after the fire’s extinguished put your butts where they belong.
Adrienne Dyer
Sidney