Cigarette butts represent the largest sector of litter on our highways and beaches. It is no secret that we have some serious problems with our cultural behavior when it comes to where we extinguish our butts. Addressing this issue takes a responsible approach to public policy to curb the litter culture. Insert public hero
Deb Schallert and
House Bill 2676. The bill creates the offense of unlawful disposing of cigarette butts with a Class D violation punishable by a maximum fine of $90 or community service cleaning up cigarette butts...picking up butt litter is something we at Surfrider are all too familiar with in our adopt-a-highway programs and the hundreds of beach cleanups we do. Deb Schallert was a state parks employee and was also fed up with the copious amounts of butt litter. Deb went the extra mile to advocate and draft up HB 2676. At the 11th hour last week, we were able to carry a group of youth volunteers message to Salem via a youtube video they made to raise awareness about cig. butts they were finding on their cleanups. It was a total DIY video by the kids (ages 12-15) and we helped them get it up and online, but they came up with the concept. It's less than a minute... so simple and yet so strong. In the days of deep pocketed lobbyists with fancy productions and materials, I just love it to see a glued-together, do it yourself video pop up in Salem. I just love environmental heroes like Deb, and we'd just love for you to help support this bill. Contact your representative on the
House Committee on Environment and Water today and urge their support for HB 2676.