Take Action With The Cigarette Surfboard: Join the Movement Against Cigarette Butt Waste
The fight against cigarette butt waste doesn’t stop with The Cigarette Surfboard — it continues with you. Whether you're an individual looking to make a difference, a community group ready to take action, or an institution seeking resources, this page is your go-to guide for getting involved.
A.S.H. W.A.V.E. Toolkit
The A.S.H. W.A.V.E. framework provides actionable steps for individuals and organizations to push for policy change, raise awareness, and reduce tobacco waste in their communities. Check out the toolkit below and start making an impact today.
Global Action: UN Plastics Treaty & the Push to Ban Cigarette Filters
Momentum is growing worldwide to eliminate single-use cigarette filters, with strong international support for their ban in ongoing UN Plastics Treaty negotiations. Public health and environmental advocates argue that filters are harmful, unnecessary, and contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Learn more about this global movement and how you can support policy change at home.
UN Plastics Treaty & Cigarette Filter Ban
Talking Points for Businesses
Looking to engage local businesses in the fight against tobacco waste? This guide offers clear, research-backed arguments to help retailers understand the economic, environmental, and social impacts of cigarette pollution.
Talking Points for Businesses PDF
Environmental & Policy Talking Points
From microplastic pollution to the staggering cost of cigarette waste cleanup, these talking points cover key environmental and public health issues. Great for advocates speaking to policymakers, educators, or community leaders.
Environmental & Policy Talking Points PDF
Research & Data on Tobacco Waste
Stay informed with the latest studies on cigarette waste and its impact on marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. This PDF includes NOAA’s Monterey Bay Marine Debris Report.
Model Policy Language
Read through the model policy language from Santa Cruz County in the PDF link below.
Model Policy Language - Santa Cruz County PDF
Organize a Cleanup or Awareness Event
From beach cleanups to public forums, grassroots action is a powerful tool for change. Use these resources to plan an event that educates and mobilizes your community.
Stay Connected & Get Support
Want to bring The Cigarette Surfboard to your campus or organization? Looking for guidance on starting a campaign? Reach out to us — we're here to help. Send an email to film@thecigarettesurfboard.com.
7 EASY WAYS TO TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT AND RESTORE THE HEALTH OF THE OCEAN
reduce the amount of single-use plastic in your life — utilize reusable water bottles, reusable coffee mugs, and reusable shopping bags, to name a few. Learn more on the Plastic Pollution Coalition website here
if you smoke, please do not use single-use plastic filters and make sure you dispose of your tobacco waste properly — in cigarette receptacles or personal ashtrays
if you travel by plane, consider offsetting your carbon footprint — SeaTrees directly supports communities and scientists who protect and regenerate coastal ecosystems which can be up to 5-10X more effective than rainforests at removing carbon from the air. This work includes planting mangrove trees, restoring kelp forests, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, and conserving coastal watersheds
if you eat seafood, choose sustainable seafood items to ensure a healthy supply of seafood into the future — use the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “Seafood Watch” here
buy local food that is organically grown (and go to restaurants that support local, organic farms) — agricultural runoff flows to the sea, carrying with it agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. Learn more on the NOAA website here
get involved with your local Surfrider Foundation Chapter for coastal volunteer opportunities — find your chapter here
bring forward a “ban the butt” campaign to your city council — email us at film@thecigarettesurfboard.com for guidance and model policy language
BAN THE BUTT CAMPAIGN IN SANTA CRUZ
Please join us at 9am on Tuesday, Oct 8th, 2024 to help ban the butt in the County of Santa Cruz! RSVP via this link: https://partiful.com/e/m5cp7nJfoIbnOf0gEmqN?
We’ve got all the facts on our side, but we need your help to show up in person to make this happen. The message is clear to our County Supervisors: you’re either with Santa Cruz — prioritizing the health of our ocean, environment, and community — or you’re with Big Tobacco. If you’re in town and able to show up in person it would make a huge difference.
Please watch these videos below to learn about the environmental, economic, and human health impacts of single-use cigarette filters.