A recent article by Cambridge Community Television discusses the problems with cigarette butt litter in Cambridge.  Please see the full article here:

http://www.cctvcambridge.org/node/25686

A recent article in the Union Tribune highlights the efforts of the CBAG.  Please see the full article here:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/09/scientists-take-aim-at-cigarettes/

Research for New Ways to Reduce and Eliminate Cigarette Butts

PHILADELPHIA – (November 9, 2009) – There is new scientific evidence that cigarette butts are toxic hazardous waste, according to research from San Diego State University (SDSU), the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and consulting groups Oxford Outcomes and the Varda Group.  The research will be presented at the 137th annual meeting for the American Public Health Association (APHA) in Philadelphia on Monday, Nov. 9.

The research will be presented Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 during the APHA 137th annual meeting; panel session 3191.0, 12:30-2pm, Philadelphia Marriott, Grand Ballroom, Salon B.

Immediately following, the research team will hold a press conference from 2:30-3:30pm in the Pennsylvania Convention Center Room 301.

The California Oceans Protection Council has admirably called for a litter fee on cigarettes as they are the number one item found on beach cleanups throughout California.  However, CBAG wishes to point out that the statement, "A ban on these filters would be inappropriate since they perform an important function" under Priority #3 in this report is inaccurate.  We respectfully point out that the ONLY purpose of filters on cigarettes is to sell cigarettes; they are a marketing tool and NOT a health device. 
  
For more information:  http://www.opc.ca.gov/webmaster/ftp/pdf/opc_ocean_litter_final_strategy.pdf