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Members of Team TACFL spent an evening in Walworth, NY learning more about the work of the local Lions Club.

After a friendly chat with members over dinner, Reality Check & Youth Coordinator Hali Rockow and Community Engagement Coordinator Tracy Brown-Simmons shared information regarding the significant impact tobacco litter (combustible cigarettes and nicotine pouches) and e-cigarette (vape) waste has on the environment.

In New York State alone, 1.8 million adults still smoke cigarettes, which means millions of cigarettes are smoked and discarded in the state each year. (Source: PublicHealthLawCenter.org.) New York State revealed in its Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2021) that the adult smoking rate for Wayne County is over 19%—double the smoking rate listed for the entire state.

In a survey conducted by the Town of Walworth, nearly 86% of the respondents ranked “Protection of water quality of streams and ponds” as the most important environmental asset for the future of the Town of Walworth. (Source.) With this survey in mind, TACFL shared its initiatives, including: Tackling cigarette litter and promoting policies for sustainable, eco-friendly tobacco product packaging.

With three large public parks in its footprint, the Town of Walworth certainly loves its outdoors!

TACFL loves working with community leaders and stakeholders. We partner with community organizations, groups, and clubs (like the Lions Club), working in municipalities to secure a tobacco-free outdoors, to work toward a cleaner environment, and to protect youth and families by limiting exposure to tobacco and e-cigarettes/vapes. The Reality Check program engages teens (13-18) to become proactive members of their communities, focusing on the tobacco-free initiatives set by the state.

Thank you!

Thank you to the Walworth Lions Club for a great evening! We hope to partner with you in the near future on helping your community create and maintain a tobacco-free outdoors!

What can you do to make a difference in your community?

Presenting on Tobacco and the Environment in Walworth NY

Let your voice be heard! Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) or speak during public comment at your local municipality’s next board meeting about smoking/vaping concerns—and how your community has the power to create tobacco-free environment.

Contact TACFL!

Would you like TACFL to come and present to your group on our initiatives? Do you want to learn how you can get involved? Contact us! We provide educational materials and presentations for stakeholders and groups in your community—just like we did for the Walworth Lions Club!