Vince Reardon: Give Cigarette Butts a Kick in the Butt -

People for a Clean UC, under with leadership of Vince Rearson, conducts a once-a-month cleanup:

As a former two-pack-a-day cigarette smoker, I’ve tossed my share of butts on the ground. That’s what cigarette smokers did, back in the day. They flicked their butts wherever they pleased.

Was I simply unaware of the harmful effects of cigarette litter? Yes and no. As much as we like to think of ourselves as rugged individuals, we are always under the sway of a powerful but subtle influencer called “social proof,” according to social psychologist Robert Cialdini. In social situations Cialdini says we look around to see if our behavior is acceptable or not. If we see smokers tossing their butts, we’ll likely believe it is okay to do the same. I mean, how could something so small and inconsequential as tossing a butt really matter?

Unfortunately, it does matter. Cigarette butts remain the most littered item in the U.S. and across the globe, according to Keep America Beautiful (KAB). KAB says most cigarette butt littering is caused by lack of awareness about its environmental impact. In addition, KAB says new ordinances are moving more smokers to outdoor areas without ash receptacles, and automakers have phased out ashtrays as a standard feature in new cars.

What can you do? If you smoke, toss butts in the trash, not out the car window. Remind other smokers to do the same. And get involved in your community. Together let’s kick butts in the butt!

People for a Clean UC will conduct its next neighborhood cleanup on Sunday, September 13, from 7:30 to 9 AM at Starbucks, 3202 Governor Drive. All supplies are provided.

What do Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, ImproveUC and UCCA have in common? They are all ways neighbors can connect with neighbors and the University City community. Create a post, start a conversation, share the news, organize an event, keep in touch, take a look: