When people think about the summer, they think about outdoor activities like going to the beach, camping and cookouts. People who use tobacco may be surprised to learn that many spaces where you can enjoy these activities are going tobacco-free. While it may feel challenging to not light up when you expect to, there are some great reasons to keep outdoor spaces tobacco-free:

• Even outdoors, secondhand smoke is a health hazard.
• Tobacco-free environments create healthier spaces for kids to play.
• Keeping spaces tobacco-free supports people quitting tobacco.
• Discarded cigarette butts, nicotine pouches and vape cartridges are bad for the environment and dangerous to children and pets.

The good news is that the summer is actually a great time to quit tobacco. The warm weather and slower pace of life can make it easier to create a quit plan that works for you and stick with it. You can learn more about making a quit plan here, but an important part of it is finding activities that can help you manage stress and cravings while you are trying to quit. Many of the activities people find helpful when quitting tobacco are easier to do in the summer, like:

• Go for a hike or take a walk outside.
• Play a game of basketball, soccer or football with your friends.
• Go swimming or relax at the pool.
• Shop for fresh produce at a farmer’s market.
• Sit outside and read a good book.

This summer, give yourself – and the people who count on you – the gift of a tobacco-free life. Whether you are hiking, swimming or just relaxing outdoors, every tobacco-free moment is a step toward a stronger, healthier and more mission-ready future. If you’re ready to live your healthiest life this summer, there are a lot of resources available to help you quit tobacco. You can start by speaking with your healthcare provider or by checking out the tools and resources here.