LEARN HOW YOU CAN BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT IN 6 STEPS!

STEP 1: READ MY "THE PROBLEM" SECTION TO INFORM YOURSELF

It all starts with understanding the consequences of our actions. If you truly understand why it is bad to drop your cigarette butt on the ground you will no longer even think of doing so. A good informed mind is able to spread the word and teach others - so let´s go! Read on my website what the problem with dropping your butt on the ground is really all about.

STEP 2: SPREAD THE WORD AND BUY A PORTABLE ASHTRAY!

If you are a smoker please do not drop your butt on the ground - wherever you are. I know it is convenient to just let it fall and forget about it but it is not really hard to dispose it correctly either... If there is not a bin or ashtray in close proximity try to have a portable ashtray with you. This little box e.g. provided by Surfrider Foundation is a handy item to have. Or just wrap it up in sth. and throw it away later. "There is no bins" is just a lame excuse. Tell friends to do the same when you see them dropping their butt on the ground. You learned here why they shouldn´t...let them know too without pointing fingers at them - no one likes to be told off! You can also just tell them to visit my side!

STEP 3: CLEAN UP

Wherever you are, you can always make a positive contribution by cleaning up what others have left behind. It might not seem to make a difference to you if there are a few butts more or less out there but think of it like this: one butt less = many liters of water less polluted. It also is a great way to show people around you what you are doing and by that gain their attention without pointing fingers! (Check out my blog post: My Hope Spot).

A local clean up is a great way to take part in a community action. You can try and only collect cigarette butts and show people how many you collected during the time of the clean up. Most likely you´ll be surprised by the high number! 

STEP 4: INSTALL & TAKE CARE OF AN ASHTRAY!

No matter where you live you can always take action to the next level and install an ashtray! I did it just in front of my house (see picture) so whenever people pass to go to the beach they see the ashtray and the info flyer right next to it. I saw so many people stop and think! It is easy too: all you need is a jar, box or bottle.. and something to make it stay there. Let´s go and give people no excuse to drop their butts! Below you can download material to print your own flyer! (idea: laminate it so it is waterproof)

STEP 5: INCLUDE YOUR FAVORITE BARS AND RESTAURANTS

It´s a common thing to observe, where there is food, drinks and seating, people come together and butts have a party too.. on the floor! I started talking to local bars and restaurants where I live and asked them to distribute my flyer (it´s great cause not only the locals get to see it but the tourists too). Like this we can spread the word even further!

STEP 6: SHARE MY PROJECT

Last but not least: Share my website and story with your family and friends! Everyone can take action and the more we are, the better!