A question for smokers

[Backdrifter]

Be honest: do you throw your used fag-ends on the ground? And if so, why?

I've given up commenting on this to those who do it. I'm always polite but get mostly ignored or sworn at. I'm sure most of these people wouldn't throw a used tissue on the ground, but seem to regard a fag-end as somehow not counting as litter.

I've seen people do it right near bins too. I had an argument with some colleagues once, who defended doing this. They said, you can't throw it in a bin as it might catch fire. So I suggested stubbing the cigarette out first. On what? they asked. The side of the bin, maybe? But that would singe the bin!

It's so widespread now I don't suppose it's ever going to make a difference anyway - pavements and gutters are peppered with fag-ends. But I wondered if anyone here who does it might like to explain why they think it's okay.

[hc4361]

I've seen people empty their car ash trays in to the gutter. Revolting.

[craft1948]

The problem doesn't arise with me as I never smoke in the street (it's common)

[beso]

I have observed smokers in my area and the majority do throw their butts on the ground. I did notice that women try to be more discrete and usually grind it with their heel while men are much more overt.

I have been verbally abused by most of those who I ask to not throw the remnants of their drug fixes on the ground.

Millions of butts end up in the ocean but smokers don't care.

It is good reason why smoking should and will eventually be banned totally in public places.

[mike11111]

Whilst in now way condoning the littering of the pavement, you strike me as one of those people who just can't let an opportunity pass to have a dig at someone who smokes, for whatever reason. You sound like the type who, even if there is a fresh gale blowing, you will furiously flap your newspaper should an guy make the misfortune of lighting up within 20 yards of you in the street.

[Backdrifter]

mike1111, is that aimed at me? And if so, was that really a serious comment?

[mike11111]

Yes and yes.

[Prudie]

As a smoker I can honestly say I never do this but that's because I was well brought up. Smokers can be picked on because they do it more often but they are no different to the 1000s who think it's OK to throw rubbish from cars or drop their old McDs and cans in the street or hedgerows.

[classylady60]

I think what some smokers don't appreciate that to us non smokers the smell of it is awful, especially as if in a room full of smokers our clothes and hair stinks for ages afterwards and to those of us who don't like the smell then it's not good to be in. IF the smoke from cigarettes didn't smell as it does, it there was no smell or a nice perfumed smell I wouldn't have any problem whatsoever being in the company of smokers. I just wish those who do smoke would realise there are two sides to everything and for me, it's the horrid smell of smoking I can't stand, I have no problem with anyone smoking, it's just the smell of it and the smell on them that I don't like.

As for finished butts on the ground, I don't like it because it's litter and in some places they will fine people for it, just as they will if you throw any other litter on the ground. It's a sign of the times...and anyway, who would litter their own home in this way? Why litter the streets if you don't litter your own home...

[Backdrifter]

@mike1111 - As long as people aren't pointing their fags or blowing their smoke in my face, I don't care if they smoke. I'm not one of those people you refer to, and what an unthinkingly judgemental thing to infer from my question. But I am someone who hates seeing people littering, and was curious to ask the question as the cigarette littering is so widespread and as i said I have known people who wouldn't drop other forms of litter.

[bibblebub]

Removing dog mess has become the done thing only in recent years, so there's always the chance that long-term public habits, such as littering, can be changed.

[clokey]

just another lets have a go at smokers thread

[mike11111]

"I've given up commenting on this to those who do it."
"I had an argument with some colleagues once, who defended doing this"
QED methinks.

[boxtops]

My friend was passing a car where the man inside just opened the window and tipped the contents of his full ashtray over the pavement. Quick as a flash, she scooped some of it up and threw it back through the window - served the driver right, IMO.
I really dislike the current trend which says "If I throw litter, it keeps the street-sweeper in a job".

[Backdrifter]

@bibblebub - I want to move to where you are, then. Where I am, the use of dog turd bags extends to putting the crap in the bag, then leaving the bag there. Instead of the streets being littered with turds, they are littered with turd-filled bags.

@Prudie - yes loads of other people litter in all kinds of other ways, I raised this topic because some smokers who wouldn't generally litter don't seem to extend that thinking to discarding of butts.

I wonder how many people who whinge about the decline of Britain contribute to it by littering.

[craft1948]

I must be a saint, but then like Prudie may just have been brought up properly. I don't smoke, eat, or drink in the street and always poop scoop, putting bags in the bins provided.

[mike11111]

It's all to do with ecology and soft attitudes. If the majority of smokers did I as used to, smoking plain cigarettes, then the discarded butts were not a problem as they would biologically disintegrate and disappear into the system. Let's ban filter tips and bring back Capstan Full Strength!

[boxtops]

Indeed, craft, it was how we were brought up to behave in the street.

[Backdrifter]

@mike1111 - you're wrong. Try to get your brain in first gear. Did I say those are the ONLY times I've ever approached litterers? The same applies to many times I've spoken to people dropping any kind of litter. But I can see you have an agenda, and won't be deflected from it so have chosen to believe I'm lying. As perhaps you are.

And clokey - read carefully and maybe you'll work out it's about a particular type of littering. As I already said, other than the littering and not covering me in their smoke, I don't care what smokers do. You're doing more to turn this into an anti-smokers thread.

[Backdrifter]

@redhelen - it's about LITTERING. Get a brain.