The tobacco industry has had a devastating effect on the environment. From the production of cigarettes to their disposal, the environmental consequences of tobacco use are immense and far reaching. Businesses can play a key role in reducing these effects by implementing policies that promote a tobacco-free workplace and supporting employees who want to quit. This year on Earth Day, April 22, Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC, tobaccofreelancastercounty.com) challenges you to consider implementing a tobacco-free policy or review your current policies to make sure they are up to date.
Tobacco-free policies can encourage employees to quit tobacco, which has significant benefits for the employee, the employer and the environment. Tobacco-free workplaces reduce medical costs by increasing employee health, lower absenteeism, increase productivity and increase the culture of wellness in the office. Supporting employees to quit tobacco also helps the environment by reducing waste, preventing toxic chemicals from poisoning the environment and protecting pets and wildlife from tobacco pollution.
Implementing tobacco-free policies is a win-win-win! If you already have a tobacco-free policy, take time on April 22 to review them, remind your staff that you support them in quitting tobacco and provide resources like the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUITNOW). If your business does not have a tobacco-free policy, Tobacco Free Lancaster County can help you implement one! Email info@tobaccofreelancastercounty.org and let them know you are ready to be a tobacco-free business. For more information about Tobacco Free Lancaster County, go to tobaccofreelancastercounty.com.