2023-09-10 19:31:00
Did you know that a single cigarette butt can contain several hundred eco-toxic chemicals, from arsenic to ammonia, tar and benzene? That this same small butt, if it ends up in a watercourse or in the sea, alone contaminates up to 500 liters of water? And that it will take 12 to 15 years for it to completely decompose if thrown into nature?
This is some of the information that was recalled, Saturday morning at the weekly market in Nivelles, by members of the Zéro Waste Nivelles association. Two of them, disguised as giant cigarette butts, traveled around the Grand-Place as part of an action to raise awareness of waste management. The team distributed pocket ashtrays to encourage smokers to break the bad habit of getting rid of their butts by crushing them on the ground, or even throwing them into a drain with the impression of not polluting.
“Frankly, smokers are quite receptive to the message, explained Patrick Deswaef, one of those who led this action, on site. And non-smokers are aware that this poses a problem. So yes, people realize it, at least when we talk to them regarding all this. But hey, last spring, when we cleaned the Mont-Saint-Roch parking lot as part of the BeWapp action, we still picked up a fairly incredible number of cigarette butts…”
Saturday morning’s operation at the market included another component: it was a matter of raising awareness among customers and market gardeners of the possibilities of reducing waste by using reusable containers and the bulk technique. Prior contacts had been made and although there are still some hesitants, particularly for reasons of hygiene, some of the market gardeners are open to the idea of serving consumers in containers that they bring, or in returnable containers.
These merchants accepting bulk items received a specific sticker from Zero Waste Nivelles to inform customers of this possibility. A list has also been established: it will be posted online on the association’s Facebook page.
Zero Waste Nivelles will organize a “Zero Waste Festival” on November 5 in the wedding hall, inviting local artisans who offer sustainable gifts for a few weeks before the end of the year celebrations.
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