Seven years ago grassroot efforts in Middlesex, Montpelier, and Brandon led to their communities choosing to recognize the benefits of having smoke-free spaces and events. All of these communities found success in designating a variety of city parks, town greens,and public spaces/events smoke-free. In Montpelier, a years-long local effort led City Councilors to unanimously vote in favor of designating all city parks as smoke-free zones.
In each case, the primary factor motivating the communities and decision makers to go smoke free was to avoid the detrimental effects of second and thirdhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is when the smoke coming off of a cigarette is actively inhaled by a non-smoker. smoke is the residual smoke substance left in our physical spaces – from our benches to people’s clothes. In both cases, people who choose not to smoke are subjected to the harmful effects of the various toxins and chemicals in tobacco – leading to potential life- long health risks. Designated smoke-free spaces are an easy way to avoid the negative impacts of second and thirdhand smoke because it reduces the likelihood of any non-smokers breathing in harmful tobacco waste while simply going for a walk in the park or attending a local event.
It is important to note, that as long as there are people who smoke, there is a need for designated smoking areas. After all, if there is not somewhere easily accessible to smoke, then many will simply choose to not follow smoke-free designations. In addition, providing smoking areas can further reduce litter and thirdhand smoke potential by having hand washing stations and cigarette butlers.
Middlesex, Montpelier, and Brandon all found success in designating smoke-free spaces by involving, educating, and including the community. In each case, community members banded together to provide information about how smoke-free spaces can improve local health outcomes to local decision makers.By doing so, these three communities have made a lasting change that will improve their residents’ health outlook for years to come. They need not be alone. This relatively simple model can be used in communities across Vermont. All it takes to make local change is one motivated individual or group to start rallying their community.
If you are interested in starting a push for your community to adopt smoke-free spaces or events, please contact wrvtcoordinator@gmail.com.