“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
We all are familiar with this quote by Neil Armstrong on his first step on the moon. Ever wondered what may happen if we take that little step together? Ever thought about how our little contribution to mother earth can make a difference?
Armstrong’s small step decades ago on the desolated tranquil has led many others to venture into the space and bring it closer to all. Karma is a bitch— many would agree without a doubt. Our deeds have brought the world to the brink of destruction but yet, we are too indifferent about it; like we have another option when we all know we don’t.
While we are too occupied destroying the natural elements, a few practices might help reduce the effects little by little. I have had them in my mind for years and have made following them my habit. Even though the outcome is quite insignificant as singling out doesn’t count towards greater benefits, a collective effort can make a difference.
And this could be as silly as stubbing out the cigarette butt after smoking publicly or privately. Smoking is injurious to health yet many of us don’t care. Not only we are imposing a threat to our health but at the same time, we are putting the environment in danger by burning it in the first place and then throwing it out here and there.
The smoke itself is polluting the air, right?
Now, if you can quit, that’s the best of you to help the environment. But if you can’t quit right now, at least extinguish it carefully so it doesn’t cause further air pollution as we tend to throw it away with the small portion near the butt still burning. Otherwise, it will keep burning till it reaches the filter.
Imagine, millions of people doing it purposefully.
Yes, doing it individually may not seem productive but the change begins with you. I urge my friends to do it, you can try too.
Now, where do we throw the filter away? Anywhere?
No.
It takes many many years for the foam filter to be disposed of under the earth. And it causes serious soil pollution, reducing fertility and destroying the nutrients available there. As it might cause harm to agriculture resulting in decreased food production, we should be careful about it.
It’s better to dispose of the butts in their designated bins, and if there aren’t any, especially in third-world countries where smoking in public is more than legal, you better put it inside the cigarette packet and throw it away in a safe spot. Make sure it doesn’t end up in the river or other water sources.
I know the idea is pretty basic but I am confident it’s the least followed idea to fight climate change in general. Although the scenario is quite insignificant; the collective effort can really take it to the top— not only helping the environment but creating awareness among the next generations who might get inspired to quit smoking or even not start it at all.
Photo by Eva Hartnagel on Unsplash