No 'butts' about it: Cleaning up cigarette butts in the Pines

As published in the Rochester Times Thursday May 19, 2011

ROCHESTER — In conjunction with Rochester Pride Day, a small group of volunteers and members of Bridging the Gaps and Students Taking Action in Rochester (STAR) took on a big task; to pick up the cigarette butts in the Pines, an historical preservation park endowed to the City of Rochester.

The Pines, a beautiful area of land in the Rochester community, is used for recreation by families, couples, individuals, youth and pets. The litter of cigarette butts lined the path that runs through the woods from the bridge over the Cocheco River to the pool, playground and Spaulding High School. Most of the cigarette butts were collected at the entrance near the skate park, where kids frequently play and summer recreation programs take place.

Those who participated hoped the amount of butts collected would send a message to the community to keep our natural resources clean and show how our children may be exposed to the dangers of tobacco smoke and young eyes may be influenced.

Bridging the Gaps: The Rochester Community Coalition for Alcohol and Drug Prevention, engages the Rochester community raising awareness about youth alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and promoting healthy choices in our community. Students Taking Action in Rochester is a Youth Empowerment Teams funded through Bridging the Gaps.