"World No Tobacco Day" May 31st

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In January Pennsylvania received a grade F for preventing the use of tobacco. Perhaps there was pressure on the Washington County Commissioners to take action on helping end the harmful effects of tobacco on human health and the environment, because on May 19th,2022, the Commissioners made a proclamation for World No Tobacco Day. Commissioner Larry Maggi read aloud the proclamation at a monthly commissioner public meeting:

"Whereas every year 22,000 Pennsylvanians die from smoking, and smoking-related disease. And whereas tobacco use an environmental issue as well as public health issue. And whereas the World Health Organization's yearlong Poisoning Our Planet campaign will shed light on the detrimental impact that tobacco has on our health and our planet. And whereas the environmental impact of the cultivation, production, distribution and waste generated from the tobacco industry adds unnecessary pressure to our planets already scarce resources and fragile ecosystems. And whereas tobaccos growing manufacturing and use poison our water and our soil with chemicals and toxic waste and clutter our city streets with post-consumer waste such as cigarette butts, chewing tobacco tins, microplastics, and e-cigarette waste. And whereas the Pennsylvania Department of Health in conjunction with Tobacco Free Adagio Health is sponsoring the World no tobacco day campaign to empower and support tobacco users on their journey to quit. And whereas citizens of Washington County are encouraged to join these efforts and demonstrate their commitment to a tobacco free lifestyle by committing to quit or refusing to start using tobacco products. And whereas Washington county further commits its resources to ensure the success of the World No Tobacco Day campaign. Whereas the World's Health Organizations World No Tobacco Day will be celebrated annually in May with a focus on the environmental impacts of tobacco use which provides another reason for current smokers to quit. And now therefore be it resolved that we the Washington county board of Commissioners on behalf of the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission do hereby proclaim May 31st, 2022, as World No Tobacco Day and encourage Washington county citizens to participate in tobacco education and prevention actives to make a visible show of support for our strong commitment to a tobacco free community. Be it further resolved that Washington county encourages all citizens to pledge "The choice for me is tobacco free."

This is a step in the right direction.

"Every year, 27 million pounds of pesticides are used to grow tobacco, and each year 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered worldwide."