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Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation attendees will be able to:
- Have a better understanding of the impact that cigarette butts have on the enviroment.
- Have a solid example of public health and environmental groups working together to raise issue awareness.
- How to use social media/earned media to increase awareness about an issue.
- Researchers, Media/Communications professionals, Grassroots tobacco control professionals, Economists
Key Points:
The panel would discuss the new research, the partnerships, approach for earned/social media outreach in 2011, and then the success. As part of the April event, Legacy hosted a thought leadership panel discussion with four experts on the issue from different disciplines. This panel would be comprised of similar speakers and information.
Educational Experience:
In advance of Earth Day 2011, Legacy launched a full-fledged campaign to educate the public about the issue with the focal point being new research on the topic that were published in a special supplement of the journal Tobacco Control confirmed the toxic impact cigarette butts have on the environment. By sharing the 2011 campaign as an example, we hope to encourage further movement and collaboration on this issue.
Benefits:
Approximately 360 billion cigarettes are consumed in the United States each year. Many are discarded on public roads, waterways, parks and beaches and contain all the carcinogenic chemicals, pesticides and nicotine that makes tobacco use the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, yet they are commonly dumped by the trillions (5.6 and counting) into the global environment each year. This panel of public health experts, researchers and environmental activists aims to raise awareness about the current science regarding cigarette butt pollution and set the stage for a new research and advocacy agenda focused on both preserving the environment and protecting public health.