CNY Tobacco Health Systems Center Urges Action on Tobacco’s Environmental Toll This Earth Day

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—  In recognition of Earth Day, the Central New York (CNY) Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health is drawing attention to the significant environmental hazards posed by tobacco products. Beyond the well-documented health risks, tobacco use contributes substantially to environmental degradation through waste and pollution.​

Tobacco product waste includes a range of pollutants such as plastic cigarette butts, e-cigarette batteries and cartridges, cigar tips, hazardous nicotine residues, various chemicals and metals, and plastic wrappings. These waste products are not only harmful to the environment, but are disproportionately concentrated in areas where tobacco products are sold and used.

“Tobacco use doesn't just harm individual health—it also leaves a lasting scar on our environment,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of Community Engagement and Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health. “From the plastic waste of cigarette butts to the toxic chemicals leaching into our soil and waterways, the environmental toll is staggering. On Earth Day, we must recognize that reducing tobacco use is a critical step toward protecting our planet.”​

The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems serves ten counties across Central New York—Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Tioga—working with healthcare organizations to implement best practices for treating tobacco use. The center is part of a statewide network funded by the New York State Department of Health’s Tobacco Control Program, aiming to reduce tobacco-related harms and promote public health.​

In addition to health-focused initiatives, the center supports environmental strategies to mitigate tobacco waste, including advocating for policies that mandate biodegradable packaging, promoting recyclable materials for tobacco products, and raising public awareness about responsible disposal practices.

For people seeking to quit smoking or vaping, resources and support are available through the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or online at www.nysmokefree.com.​

For more information on the environmental impact of tobacco and related initiatives, visit Tobacco Free New York State – Tobacco and the Environment.​

###

 

About St. Joseph’s Health
St. Joseph’s Health, a non-profit health care system in Syracuse, New York, has been a trailblazer in the field since 1869 when it became the city’s first public hospital. Its commitment to exceptional care is evident in a network of acute, ambulatory, primary and specialty care services and partner care facilities providing a range of services to promote long-term health in the communities we serve. St. Joseph’s has been ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, is a designated Primary Stroke Center, and is consistently named a Best Regional Hospital and #1 in the Syracuse Metro area by US News and World Report. St. Joseph’s Health is dedicated to excellence, innovation and compassionate patient care. From pioneering ambulance services in Syracuse to being the first in Central New York to use DaVinci robotic surgery technology in an outpatient facility, St. Joseph’s legacy of firsts demonstrates its ongoing commitment to leading medical advancements. Affiliated with St. Joseph’s Physicians and a member of Trinity Health, St. Joseph’s Health is your trusted partner in health, combining a rich history with a forward-thinking approach to ensure the health and well-being of our communities.

About Trinity Health
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic health care systems in the nation. It is a family of 121,000 colleagues and nearly 36,500 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 27 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, the Trinity Health system includes 101 hospitals, 126 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 136 urgent care locations and many other health and well-being services. Based in Livonia, Michigan, its annual operating revenue in FY2023 was $21.6 billion with $1.5 billion returned to its communities in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs.

###