Nirit Datta, a former IT professional and environmental conservationist, has initiated the Butt Rush movement to address the environmental pollution caused by discarded cigarette butts. Despite widespread discussions on the consequences of smoking on health and the environment, Datta emphasizes the lack of attention given to the issue of cigarette butt pollution in India.
Cigarette butts, a major non-biodegradable waste globally, pose a significant challenge in India, where around 100 billion cigarettes are sold annually. Butt Rush, founded on April 24, 2021, conducts a 24-hour environmental marathon during which volunteers collect cigarette butts from streets and open spaces. The collected data aids in analyzing and researching the associated problems. Datta’s goal is to raise awareness about cigarette butt pollution in every state and union territory, aiming to devise sustainable models for governments and corporations to combat this issue. Butt Rush has already made its presence felt in 10 states and one union territory, collecting over one lakh cigarette butts in its latest marathon in Goa.
Despite a misconception among smokers and non-smokers that cigarette butts are harmless and biodegradable, research by the World Health Organization and other studies reveals that a cigarette butt contains 165 toxic chemicals. The slow degradation of cellulose acetate, comprising 95% of cigarette filters, can take months to years, contributing to heavy metal contamination and microplastic pollution in ecosystems.
Datta highlights the importance of awareness over recycling, suggesting the placement of cigarette bins at smoking hotspots to encourage proper disposal. He advocates for informing people about the harmful effects of cigarette filters to promote responsible disposal. Efficient recycling is crucial, but Datta notes that the current methods, such as using recycled butts in soft toys and cushions, may pose risks of inhaling microplastics.
The National Green Tribunal in India directed the Central Pollution Control Board to establish guidelines for the disposal of cigarette butts, recognizing them as toxic waste. Datta emphasizes the need for dialogue and discussion among stakeholders, rejecting offers from tobacco companies and corporates that aim to downplay the harmful effects of cigarette butts. He calls for acknowledgment of the problem and collaborative efforts to find alternatives and solutions. Butt Rush aims to combat both the impact and the source of cigarette butt pollution without opposing smoking itself.
