This project requires youth to work together in teams to find a strategy for addressing an environmental issue involving tobacco and cannabis waste.
Activity Time: 2 hour - 6 hour
Handouts:
Activities:
Themes:
Tobacco and cannabis are legal substances for adults to use. But consumers often discard their butts and roaches in ways that harm the environment and animals.
Activity steps
- Divide the group into teams of up to 4.
- Tell the youth they will be working on a project that helps the environment and animals. If desired, you could read aloud the problem:
Tobacco and cannabis are legal substances for adults to use. But consumers often discard their butts and roaches in ways that harm the environment and animals.
According to National Geographic (August 2019):
“Cigarette butts are the top plastic polluters, with an estimated two-thirds of the trillions of filters used each year tossed into the environment. A recent study found that cigarette butts inhibit plant growth. They also routinely get into waterways, and eventually oceans.”
According to the B.C. SPCA:
“THC, the psychoactive component of pot, can cause “seizures, coma and even death” in pets.” (CTV news report, May 28, 2020)
- Give each participant a Butts out(side) project handout and walk them through the assignment.
- Remember to give participants a working timeline and date for sharing their presentations.
