Take Action with The Cigarette Surfboard: Join the Movement Against Cigarette Butt Waste

On October 8th, 2024, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass the first policy of its kind — an ordinance banning the sale of single-use cigarette filters. The City of Santa Cruz and the City of Capitola passed similar legislation in 2025, and all three ordinances will go into effect in 2027. This is just the beginning…

The fight against cigarette butt waste doesn’t stop with Santa Cruz, or with The Cigarette Surfboard — it continues with you. Whether you're an individual looking to make a difference, a community group ready to take action, or an institution seeking resources, this page is your go-to guide for getting involved.

A.S.H. W.A.V.E Toolkit

The A.S.H. W.A.V.E framework provides actionable steps for individuals and organizations to push for policy change, raise awareness, and reduce tobacco waste in their communities. Check out the toolkit below and start making an impact today.

Watch the videos below to learn more about the human health impacts, the toxic environmental effects, and the vast economic burden of cigarette butt waste

“THE FILTER FRAUD” - A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT CIGARETTE FILTERS

THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CIGGY BUTTS

THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CIGGY BUTTS

7 EASY WAYS TO TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT AND RESTORE THE HEALTH OF THE OCEAN

  • reduce the amount of single-use plastic in your life — utilize reusable water bottles, reusable coffee mugs, and reusable shopping bags, to name a few. Learn more on the Plastic Pollution Coalition website here

  • if you smoke, please do not use single-use plastic filters and make sure you dispose of your tobacco waste properly — in cigarette receptacles or personal ashtrays

  • if you travel by plane, consider offsetting your carbon footprint — SeaTrees directly supports communities and scientists who protect and regenerate coastal ecosystems which can be up to 5-10X more effective than rainforests at removing carbon from the air. This work includes planting mangrove trees, restoring kelp forests, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, and conserving coastal watersheds

  • if you eat seafood, choose sustainable seafood items to ensure a healthy supply of seafood into the future — use the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “Seafood Watch” here

  • buy local food that is organically grown (and go to restaurants that support local, organic farms) — agricultural runoff flows to the sea, carrying with it agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. Learn more on the NOAA website here

  • get involved with your local Surfrider Foundation Chapter for coastal volunteer opportunities — find your chapter here

  • bring forward a “ban the butt” campaign to your city council — feel free to email us at film@thecigarettesurfboard.com for further resources & guidance