By: John Michael Pierobon
State parks are our havens of natural beauty and biodiversity, where families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts go for peace and enjoyment. State legislators should enact legislation to protect and promote the vitality of our state parks and not allow the detrimental effects of tobacco pollution to persist. It is time to clear the air and make all of our state parks tobacco-free.
Tobacco litter mars the scenery and experience visitors seek. Cigarette butts, which are not biodegradable, are the most littered item in the world and state parks are not immune to this problem. Tobacco litter, which also includes chewing tobacco tins, cigarette packets, plastic cigarillo tips, plastic lighters, and spent e-cigarette pods, is difficult and expensive to clean up. Adopting a tobacco-free policy is a strong step towards preserving the flora, fauna, and scenic landscapes that make our state parks unique and beautiful.
Tobacco products, if not discarded properly, can easily spark fires that endanger both the parks and nearby communities. Implementing a tobacco-free policy significantly reduces this risk, ensuring that our state parks remain a haven rather than a hazard.
State parks are meant to be places of health and wellness for all. The air in state parks should be fresh and invigorating, not tainted with secondhand smoke. Going tobacco-free demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of our citizens, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, who often visit these parks seeking respite.
State parks are educational spaces, teaching us about the value of conservation and stewardship. By declaring them tobacco-free, we set an example for future generations, showing them the importance of responsible choices for the greater good.
State parks are magnets for tourism and local economies. By making our state parks tobacco-free, we make them more appealing to a wider range of visitors. This increase in tourism can stimulate local businesses and generate additional revenue for park maintenance and improvements.
State parks are gathering places where people from all walks of life come together. A tobacco-free policy fosters a more inclusive atmosphere, allowing people to connect without the barrier of secondhand smoke. This can enhance the sense of community within these spaces.
Making state parks tobacco-free is not about impinging on individuals and their choices. It is about recognizing the right to breathe clean air and to safeguard the health of our environment and of our citizens. Reducing tobacco consumption leads to a healthier society.
Our state legislators have an opportunity to show leadership on public health, environmental conservation, and social well-being. They must choose the path that ensures our state parks remain vibrant, thriving, and inviting to all, now and for generations to come, by enacting strong legislation to make all of our state parks tobacco-free.