PRESS RELEASE: A Greener Future and UNSMOKE Canada Launch Ambitious ‘UNSMOKE Butt Blitz’ to Tackle Cigarette Litter Across Canada
Nationwide campaign aims to collect 1 million cigarette butts in April and an additional 500,000 in September, through community events across Canada
Toronto, Ontario – March 31, 2025 – A Greener Future, in partnership with UNSMOKE Canada, an initiative of Rothmans, Benson and Hedges Inc. (RBH) is proud to announce the launch of the 'UNSMOKE Butt Blitz,' Canada's largest cigarette litter cleanup campaign. This year, the initiative sets an ambitious goal to collect 1 million cigarette butts in April and an additional 500,000 in September through community events. All cigarette butts will be sent to TerraCycle for recycling. RBH is fully funding this partnership.
Since its inception in 2015, the Butt Blitz has mobilized volunteers nationwide to address cigarette litter, which accounts for one in five pieces of litter found during litter cleanups hosted by A Greener Future. To date, over 5.1 million cigarette butts have been removed from the environment, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the support of partners like UNSMOKE Canada.
Why cigarette litter matters:
Environmental pollution: cigarette butts contain harmful substances such as plastic, arsenic, and lead, which can leach into soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and posing risks to wildlife and human health.
Wildlife threats: small animals, birds, and marine life often mistake cigarette butts for food, leading to ingestion, poisoning, and even death.
Fire hazards: improperly discarded cigarette butts can ignite wildfires and urban fires, especially in dry conditions, posing significant risks to communities and natural habitats.
Get Involved:
A Greener Future and UNSMOKE Canada invite individuals, community groups, and organizations across Canada to participate in the UNSMOKE Butt Blitz. Volunteers can join public events scheduled throughout April and September or reach out to help organize an event in their community. All collected cigarette butts will be sent to TerraCycle, where they will be recycled into various products, diverting waste from landfills and contributing to a circular economy.
Event Listings:
About A Greener Future:
Founded in 2014, A Greener Future is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental protection through organized litter cleanups, educational programs, and community events. The organization is committed to creating a clean, healthy environment for future generations.
About UNSMOKE Canada:
UNSMOKE Canada is an initiative of Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. UNSMOKE advocates for positive change, dispelling misconceptions, and working towards policies that reflect the transformative possibilities of smoke-free alternatives.
Since 2020, UNSMOKE has supported local community cleanup projects across Canada. Through partnerships, UNSMOKE has properly disposed of over 10 million discarded cigarette butts through 101 community projects staffed by thousands of volunteers nationwide. Learn more about UNSMOKE Canada at unsmoke.ca
Media Contacts:
Rochelle Byrne
Executive Director/Founder, A Greener Future
Phone: 705-791-5358
Email: rochelle@agreenerfuture.ca
Brayden Akers
Rothmans, Benson and Hedges
Email: media@rbhinc.ca