TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a significant move to combat pollution, the Ministry of Environment (環境部) and the Ministry of Culture (文化部) launched a nationwide campaign on World Environment Day (June 5), urging smokers to dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.
The initiative, titled "Reduce Cigarette Butts, Clean Environment - National Alliance Kickoff," calls on individuals and businesses to take action by bringing cigarette butts home or throwing them in trash bins and voluntarily cleaning their surroundings.
A Cultural Shift Towards Environmental Protection
Minister of Culture Lee Yuan (李遠) emphasized the need for a "New Cultural Movement in Taiwan" that encourages people to cherish the land and understand the impact of their actions on the environment. This movement aims to foster a deeper sense of responsibility and care for the environment among Taiwan's citizens.
The Environmental Impact of Cigarette Butts
Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) highlighted the alarming statistics that Taiwan sold approximately 36.2 billion cigarettes in 2023, with an estimated 9 billion cigarette butts potentially littering the environment if a quarter of these were improperly disposed of.
Peng pointed out that cigarette filters, made from cellulose acetate, a type of durable plastic, can take up to 10 years or more to decompose. Moreover, the remnants of tobacco in these butts contain over 4,000 harmful chemicals, including nicotine, which release toxic and carcinogenic substances into the environment. This pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and human health by entering the food chain.
The campaign represents a crucial step towards reducing environmental pollution and promoting a culture of sustainability in Taiwan. By raising awareness and encouraging responsible disposal of cigarette butts, the government aims to protect the environment and public health for future generations.
