Cigarettes are a major cause of environmental pollution. Animals eat the butts. Filters end up in the sea. “One cigarette can pollute a thousand liters of water,” says one of the beachcombers from Juttersgeluk, a foundation that cleans up and recycles beach waste.
Together with a team of volunteers, they roam the beach every day. Plastic is collected to make new products. Cigarettes? You can’t do anything with that.
Last year the foundation noticed how many butts are collected every week. She posted a LinkedIn message about this, after which a motion was submitted in Zandvoort politicians to make part of the beach smoke-free.
The trial started today. “We hope that not only will people smoke less, but that they will also not end up in public spaces,” says councilor Lars Carree.
Smoke Free Generation
The action is therefore twofold. Although the environmental impact was the last straw, the municipality hopes that the measure will also contribute to a smoke-free generation.
Károly Illy, director of Longfonds and chairman of the Smoke-Free Generation, is pleased with the measure. “It is very good that Zandvoort now has a smoke- and vape-free beach. A beach is an excellent place for relaxation and healthy air.”
She continues: “In addition, this sets a good example for children. Because seeing smoking means smoking. Smoke-free beaches are also nice for smokers who are trying to quit and ex-smokers: less temptation helps to quit or cut down.”
Continue to roll out through Zandvoort
Other municipalities, including Scheveningen, preceded Zandvoort. With positive results. Councilor Carree therefore also has good hopes for his coastal town. Even though the plans are still causing some resistance.
Clarified he believes that smokers do not have to fear that receipts will be issued as soon as they light up a cigarette. Alderman: “We really hope that it will be a mindset change and that people will talk to each other about it.”
The pilot will be evaluated at the end of the season. “The intention is to roll this out more widely,” says Carree.
