You probably know using tobacco is bad for your health, but did you know it’s also bad for the planet? Growing, curing (or drying) and using tobacco all consume natural resources and cause pollution.

Tobacco Farming

Growing commercial tobacco is harmful to the Earth. Most tobacco is grown outside the U.S. by small farmers who are under pressure to produce as much tobacco as possible, even if it is harmful to their land. This leads to many issues such as cutting down forests to grow tobacco, growing tobacco on land that is home to endangered species and the use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides which can damage water supplies.

Tobacco Curing

Before tobacco can be put in tobacco products, it must be cured (or dried). Most of the time, this happens in covered barns where tobacco is stored and heated by wood burning fires. The wood usually comes from local forests, contributing to deforestation (the removal and destruction of forests and trees). The burning process also releases chemicals in the atmosphere that contribute to global warming.

Tobacco Litter

Cigarette filters (or “butts”) are the most littered item in the world. Over 4.5 trillion cigarette filters are estimated to pollute oceans, rivers, sidewalks, parks, soils and beaches each year. Cigarette filters release microplastics and other harmful chemicals into the environment that are dangerous to animals. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco also generate plastic pollution.

Saving Your Health and the Planet

If you’re ready to improve your health and lower your carbon footprint, quitting tobacco is a smart way to do both! There are a lot of resources available to help you live a tobacco-free life. If you’re looking to quit smoking, you can start by speaking with your healthcare provider or by checking out the tools and resources here.