The ‘Stomach aches from plastic’ campaign raises awareness about the impacts of littering
The City of Hämeenlinna is participating in the ‘Stomach aches from plastic’ campaign by Pidä Saaristo Siistinä ry, which aims to increase residents’ awareness of the environmental harm caused by cigarette butts and other litter ending up in waterways. The campaign aims to illustrate how even small everyday actions affect the local environment.
During the campaign, colorful fish stickers can be spotted in the center of Hämeenlinna, reminding people that storm drains unfortunately often serve as a route for litter into waterways. Cigarette butts and other small pieces of litter, in particular, easily end up in storm drains, often due to a lack of awareness. In reality, in most areas, stormwater carries this litter directly to the nearest body of water.
The goal of the campaign is to encourage passers-by to reflect on the impact of their own behavior on littering and to encourage responsible choices. Litter and cigarette butts belong in the trash. If there is no bin nearby, cigarette and nicotine waste, for example, can be collected in a sealed container and disposed of properly later.
In Hämeenlinna, the ‘Stomach aches from plastic’ campaign is part of the ‘Butt-free hometown’ campaign, which continues throughout the summer.