Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds and other marine animals which leads to ingestion of hazardous chemicals and digestive blockages.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Economically, cigarette butt litter:
- Requires additional sidewalk and street sweeping, greenway and park maintenance, storm drain cleaning, and increased maintenance of storm water filters.
- Makes business owners bear the expense of cigarette butt and cigar tip litter cleanup around entrances, exits, sidewalks, and parking lots.
- Can result in a decline in a city’s foot traffic, tourism, business development, and housing. In fact, the presence of litter in a community decreases property values by a little over 7%. Focusing on small improvements, like reducing cigarette butt litter, creates safer and more economically vibrant communities.
- Takes a toll on recreation areas and public spaces. Tobacco litter represents nearly 34.4% of all litter in outdoor recreation areas such as picnic areas, hiking trails, parks, etc. decreasing the appeal of these natural areas.
Environmentally, cigarette butt litter:
- 32% of litter at storm drains is tobacco products.
- 80% of butts on the ground find their way into our water systems and detract from the quality of our drinking water.
- Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds and other marine animals which leads to ingestion of hazardous chemicals and digestive blockages.
- Animals, marine life, and toddlers who ingest dropped cigarette butts can become ill or die from them.
To solve the problems that cigarette litters create, Bio Fil Inc. is formed, (also referred to as the “company” )
The company founder, Thuan Lu, holds a pending patent for a biodegradable filter. Bio Fil Inc. looks to manufacture its biodegradable filters to replace the current filters on market.
To achieve the Company’s objectives, Bio Fil Inc. is seeking $25 million in total funding through outside investment.