Stakeholders+and+Conflicts

=Stakeholders and Conflicts:=

Many stakeholders, organizations, companies, and individuals are trying to prevent the pollution of cigarette litter. One of the major primary stakeholders involved with the issue of cigarette butt littering is the Municipal government. In terms of Ontario, Canada, the Government of Ontario has helped influenced and shaped the environment of cigarette littering through the introduction of legal acts. On May 31, 2006, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act was in effect, which prohibited smoking in enclosed workplaces and public places in Ontario. In addition, tobacco retailers are now restricted to how tobacco products are displayed and promoted at the point of sale. Moreover, the introduction of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act signifies the government of Ontario’s concern of the responsibility of the pollution of cigarette butts.

It is evident that through the support and communication with the City Government, many non-profit organizations and community councils have formed to eliminate the pollution of cigarettes. Founded in 1992, the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco (OCAT) foundation helps eliminate the pollution of cigarettes. The OCAT was supported and funded by five leading health agencies. Some agencies include the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Non-Smoker’s Right Association. The OCAT’s main goals and objectives include the sustainment and control of illegal imports of tobacco products, and the protection of cigarette pollution in outdoor public places. In 1994, the OCAT helped influenced the passage of Ontario’s Tobacco Control Act (TCA). The Tobacco Control Act passage made tobacco sales and supply to minors illegal, which eliminated the sale of tobacco in pharmacies and vending machines, and made certain public places smoke-free. This act alone helped reduced the pollution of cigarette butt littering by creating a negative environment for smokers.

The Ocean Conservancy organization work towards a goal of a cleaner and healthier ocean. This organization has gathered statistics regarding the issue of cigarette filter litter during their “International Coastal Cleanup” campaign. Moreover, according to the Ocean Conservancy Organization, cigarette filters are the most frequently littered item in the United States and in the world. Thus, in the recent years many Beach Communities have worked with organization like The Ocean Conservancy and the City Council to develop litter prevention campaigns towards cigarette butts. In Ontario, the Council of the Town of Wasaga Beach worked with the Ontario municipal government to enact a by-law to regulate smoking in all public places with in the town of Wasaga Beach. This by-law will help reduce cigarette pollution located around the areas of Wasaga Beach. Moreover, many other Beach communities in other cities thrive to proposal to ban cigarette smoking on beaches.

Over the recent years, there has been an up rise awareness towards efficiently improving our environment. The terms “Going Green” is becoming a strongly familiar campaign that has influenced companies and organizations across the global, focusing on becoming more environmental friendly. As we enter the information age, awareness of the issues surrounding the cigarette butt pollution have increased through new media such as social networking sites. Digital advocacy campaigns, and viral videos has allowed for a more global scope to helped create and sent a positive message towards a pollution free-cigarette environment.