This World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on 31 May, Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) and Koori Quitline are partnering to raise awareness of tobacco products as a threat to our environment and encouraging care for Country as one more reason to quit.
Koori Quitline Counsellor, Vanessa Kendall said: “Caring for Country is very important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to encourage community to stop smoking or vaping, the Koori Quitline has Aboriginal Counsellors to yarn about your journey and support a quit attempt.
“We need our communities, homes and cars smoke-free. Together we can do this! We’re asking everyone to get involved and show their support to #BreatheOnCountry together by snapping a picture of your Country and yarning up a smoke-free future,” said Ms Kendall.
The volume of discarded cigarette butts has not decreased in line with retail sales of cigarettes dropping from 16.2 billion in 2015 to 10.8 billion in 2020. The Keep Australia Beautiful Litter Index has shown that cigarette butts are the main portion of litter in NSW, representing almost half of all littered items.
“There is the danger of toxins and chemicals from discarded cigarette butts leaking into the environment. These leaks can pollute drinking water and soils where we grow food. Thoughtless littering can harm our vulnerable, including children and animals, who rely on us to keep them safe,” said Ms Kendall.
“To be able to breathe on Country, World No Tobacco Day calls on people who smoke or vape to commit to quit in 2022. Quitline Counsellors understand everyone’s reasons for quitting smoking is different Contact the Quitline on 13 78 48 for a free, culturally safe yarn to support your personal quit journey,” she said.
#BreatheOnCountry #WNTD2022
For support to quit smoking call the Quitline on 13 78 48, or visit: https://www.facebook.com/AboriginalQuitlineNSW | www.icanquit.com.au