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 As we enter March, we want to remind everyone how tobacco connects to major issues, such as women’s rights and empowerment, and the environment.
Historically, the tobacco industry saw women as a gap in their market. There were many more men smoking than women, which meant the tobacco industry felt they were missing out on some big profits. Thus, the long, slender, and smooth feminine cigarette was born.
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Brands like Virginia Slims and Camel No. 9 emerged at the height of the women’s rights movement in the 1960s, and this targeted marketing continued into the 2000s when Philip-Morris created a slender “purse pack” in 2008.
We could discuss how tobacco connects to social issues for hours…so instead, let’s transition to talking about the environment. Did you know both vaping and smoking are bad for the environment, resulting in hundreds of thousands of pounds of toxic waste?
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Some of the environmental issues impacted by vaping and smoking include: deforestation, air pollution, soil degradation and acidification, littering, plastic waste, water pollution, lithium mining, and electronic waste. Most people who smoke and vape do not properly dispose of products, and most manufacturers do not tell users how to either. It is time to hold the vaping and tobacco industries accountable. |
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Your challenge: think of an issue you care about and research how tobacco effects it. You may be surprised at what you learn!
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Every year on April 1, thousands of young people from around the United States take a stand against the tobacco industry for Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids’ (TFK) National Take Down Tobacco Day. This year, TFK’s primary focus is sharing "The Truth":
“Tobacco companies aggressively market deadly and addictive products while raking in billions of dollars in profits. They fight policies that would actually reduce tobacco use. They constantly develop new products to hook kids. In a nutshell, they continue to “lie, cheat and fool people into a lifetime of addiction, disease and death.” |
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This day of action is a great opportunity to share your experience with tobacco or vaping, passion about the effects of vaping on the environment, disgust related to tobacco industry marketing, and more. The possibility of things you can do is endless—it just takes doing it.
To learn more about Take Down Tobacco Day and how to get involved, visit the Take Down Tobacco website.
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The Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program (WCTEPP) is launching a Tobacco-Free Schools designation for 2024! If your school is dedicated to keeping students safe and healthy, then we want to publicly recognize your effort. All you have to do is apply for designation, complete a series of specific tasks, and receive a Tobacco Free Schools seal recognizing your accomplishment! |
This seal can be added to district websites, displayed on a wall in the office, listed in handbooks, and more. It is meant to be shown off because being a Certified Tobacco-Free School is a major success and takes a lot of hard work! Since schools vary in capacity, we will award three different levels depending on participation—bronze, silver, and gold.
WCTEPP will support your efforts by providing:
- A school-specific resource guide
- Student "Vaping 101" presentations
- Parent and teacher "Vaping 101" presentations
- Trusted adult trainings
- Tobacco-free school signage
- Alternatives to suspension guidance and resources
Contact ematlock@weld.gov or visit weld.gov/go/tobaccocontrol for more information.
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Free, confidential, and self-guided service for teens (12-17) trying to quit smoking or vaping. To get started, text "Start My Quit" to 36072, or call 1-855-891-9989 for individualized support, encouragement, and helpful tips. No parental consent required. |
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Free and online quit service for Colorado residents aged 18 or older. Contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW for assistance and see if you are eligible for a free supply of patches, gum, or lozenges. |
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The BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program™ is an evidence based, smoking cessation program created to reduce the burden of tobacco on the pregnant and postpartum population. Contact the Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program or your physician for more information! |
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Our Team
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Melanie Cyphers RN, BSN Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor mcyphers@weld.gov 970-400-2423 |
Jill Matlock, M.Ed, MPH
Youth Tobacco Education Specialist
ematlock@weld.gov
970-400-2383 |
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Brooklyn Larimore, BS Youth Policy and Communications Specialist Blarimore@weld.gov 970-400-2371
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