LM Singh, Managing Director, Vital Strategies India, on World No Tobacco Day
“Tobacco consumption damages the environment in ways that go far beyond the effects of smoke that cigarettes and bidis put into the air. All aspects of the tobacco industry have severe environmental consequences, starting from deforestation for tobacco growing to manufacturing and delivery to retailers. Cigarettes and bidis not only pollute the air—long after they have been extinguished, these products continue to cause environmental damage in the form of non-biodegradable butts. Reducing tobacco use is a win-win: fewer tobacco users will help to improve people’s health and the health of our planet.
At Vital Strategies, we’re committed to working toward a world where everyone, everywhere, is protected by equitable and effective public health systems. That includes protection from the harms of tobacco and the tobacco industry. On World No Tobacco Day, we encourage the strengthening of messaging about the health hazards and impacts associated with tobacco use to build an environment that is conducive to policy action and people’s right to health, guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Every person deserves a smoke-free environment and has the right to demand clean air and an environment free from toxins from cigarettes, bidis and smokeless tobacco products.”
