Cigarette litter is a huge problem in Hampton Roads, across Virginia and almost everywhere in the world. Most smokers see cigarette butts as small, insignificant, biodegradable or maybe not as litter at all. This summer, seven localities worked together through askHRgreen.org to launch a Cigarette Litter Prevention Program at diverse locations across the region. The program enforced the message that “Cigarette Butts = Litter” and provided the ash receptacles necessary to help smokers make the right choice when it comes to disposal.
We are happy to announce that the average cigarette litter reduction rate for the seven projects was astounding! On average, there were 74 percent fewer cigarette butts found on the ground after the project was completed than before the outreach effort began. Through the diligent work of staff and community members in Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News, Suffolk and James City County, our region is that much cleaner today. Great job, Hampton Roads!
|
Municipality
|
Type of Project Site
|
First Scan Score (before implementation)
|
Second Scan Score (after implementation)
|
Average Decrease in Cigarette Litter
|
|
Hampton
|
Beach/Park
|
546
|
229
|
-58%
|
|
James City County
|
Commuter Lot
|
346
|
186
|
-46%
|
|
Newport News
|
Business District
|
195
|
32
|
-83%
|
|
Norfolk
|
Transportation/ Civic Plaza
|
1,072
|
283
|
-73%
|
|
Portsmouth
|
Outdoor Concert Pavilion
|
633
|
28
|
-95%
|
|
Suffolk
|
Downtown Business District
|
285
|
18
|
-93%
|
|
Virginia Beach
|
Natural Area/Lake Park
|
528
|
162
|
-69%
|
|
Totals
|
|
3,605
|
938
|
-74%
|
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