Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
No, the World is Not Your Ashtray
Posted April 14, 2023
Note to many cigarette smokers…I’m tired of it. Citizens are tired of it. And by “it” you probably already know what I’m about to write. No, the world is not your ashtray. So, please stop flicking your butts into the world—an afterthought that if you gave two more seconds of consideration, might save property damage, or a life.
This week, a wildfire burned through several acres along River Road in Crownsville, which came roaringly close to adjacent properties. More than forty firefighters were able to extinguish the flames in a half-day’s work that put one in the hospital (and was released). This section of the Severn River waterfront now serves as a charred reminder of what one stupid act can cause.
Though firefighters are hesitant to say exactly what caused the fire, one can surmise a likely culprit. In discussing the incident with a neighbor, we both said the same thing, “Probably a cigarette.”
Coincidentally, the U.S. National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for our region this week. There has been “an elevated fire danger…across Maryland and Eastern West Virginia panhandle…Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks.” You know that includes cancer sticks.
Hey, laugh at me if you want about this one, but officials have pinned several local infamous fires directly to cigarettes…probably most notably the one that wiped out Sailor’s Oyster Bar in downtown Annapolis, almost one year ago. Hopefully, they build back the popular restaurant…and some folks have learned a valuable, if costly, lesson.
I may be flaming the issue with some hyperbole, but I’m equally disgusted by the vast amounts of butts that build up alongside roadways, especially at traffic lights, and end up in the ecosystem—the woods, the rivers, the…everywhere.
I didn’t give two cares in the world either when I smoked for several years, from my late-teens through 20s. But then, I stopped…all of it. I’m not here to preach about your right to smoke, though. Rather, I’m just reminding folks that the world is not your ashtray.
Can anything be done about this problem? Anyone have ideas?
Here’s what you said:
In the 60's when I was a child, I remember the Smoky the Bear ads on TV reminding people to thoroughly extinguish their camp fires in order to prevent forest fires. Perhaps a similar campaign could be developed to show people the danger of fires from tossing their spent cigarettes from a car window or from just walking along a forested road. I believe there will always be those who are apathetic but they must be made aware of the consequences of their careless actions and how harmful their nicotine addiction can quickly become to our communities and environment.
Dawn Dulaney, Baltimore
THANK YOU from someone who just picked up a couple before they hit the storm drain, and ultimately in the river on my dog walk this am.
Now for the trash on the side of the roads! Why?
Julie Woepke , Annapolis
Totally agree with the comments regarding cigarettes and people using the roads as their ashtray. I also want to comment on those individuals using the side of the roads as their garbage can. It pains me to see the amount of trash along the roads. OF particular note the entrance to I97 off Defense Highway and so many other streets, parks, etc. Since April is Earth Month I'd like to see community leaders organize groups to pick up the trash. If we all pitch in, our area would look so much better. This is very doable and should be done now.
Barbara Gill, Annapolis
I'm so glad you brought up this issue. It is bothersome and disgusting as I sit at any major intersection in our area.
We live in a "I dare you to say something" society where folks act selfish, self-centered, rude, lazy, and discourteous to others, as long as their needs are met. They just don't care. Some people have no problem flicking their butt out of their vehicle, in public, since there are no consequences. Many of us find this behavior classless, inconsiderate, and disgusting 🐷.
C'mon smokers, do better! You can buy an ashtray to fit into a cup holder for your vehicle at the dollar store or just keep a glass jar in your vehicle.
Anita Mann, Crownsville
I rarely if ever see anyone smoking tobacco products anymore. The numbers of cigarette smokers has dropped off drastically in the last decade. But every single time I'm driving on a road or highway in the past year, the smell of marijuana is coming in the car windows or through the vents. It's equally likely the discard is from a pot smoker.
Francesca Rendell, Cambridge
Amen! I am a former smoker and ALWAYS put my cigarette out in the car ashtray or stomped it totally out and discarded in the trash if I was outside. I'm sure no one throws a lit cigarette out of their car window thinking "hey let's start a fire", but the fact is, many avoidable fires are started by lit discarded cigarette butts. THINK PEOPLE, before YOU start a fire that may destroy wildlife and/or people's lives.
Julie T., Upper Marlboro
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