A day out on the shores of Miami Beach is definitely an opportunity to see dozens of sandy butts, but we on the GREEN Team are talking about the huge quantity of discarded cigarette filters littering the sands of our most important natural resource! Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libben was horrified to learn that 30 pounds of burnt cigarette butts was recently collected from a single block of Miami Beach in direct violation to our anti-littering laws. Apparently cigarette smokers may be depositing their garbage into designated trash containers along the shore, but they thoughtlessly flick the burnt end of their smokes out into the sand turning our beaches into giant ashtrays.
While the tiny filter of a cigarette seems insignificant, clearly the accumulation of 30 pounds of smoke-related refuse in such a small area means that city code compliance must be taken to new heights. While the banning of cigarettes on Miami Beach seems harsh, Libben is quick to point out that promoting awareness is just the first step in a long line of remedies he wants to endorse before considering such extreme measures as an outright ban.
“So far it’s me,” Libben says. “No one’s taken the bull by the horns. Education will only go so far without enforcement. The goal is to continue in education. If at the end there hasn’t been a significant change, I won’t be taking [the smoking ban] off the table.”
The City of Miami Beach wants beachgoers to be informed about the negative impacts of all littering before code compliance officers start issuing citations. In a tourist-driven economy, punishing visitors could drive away the very lifeblood of our town. However section 46-92 of city ordinance does permit code officers who regularly patrol the shoreline on ATVs to hand out written warnings to violators which could include fines ranging from $50-$500 depending on the offense. Locals agree that a measured response to damaging our beaches is long overdue.
Before the strict enforcement takes place, anti-littering events along the shore including the distribution of biodegradable trash bags by volunteers along South Beach should help promote awareness without making guests feel unwelcome. Working in concert with oceanfront resorts like the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, employees will remind guests to take along their trash at the end of the day. Next month, 3,000 free portable ashtrays are going to be distributed to help keep cigarette butts out of the sand.
Other Florida cities like Sarasota and Cocoa Beach have already started banning smoking on the shoreline. A mid-level solution may be the creation of local “Green Zones,” designated areas around Miami Beach where smoking is prohibited. Libben conducted two litter awareness meetings recently, but was dismayed that only a few local residents showed their support along with members of ECOMB, the Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach.
Commissioner Libben remains optimistic in his dedication to the cause. “This is not a city official thing, this is one city commissioner who is trying to change one thing. We have an uphill battle to say the least, but that doesn’t mean you don’t fight the battle…”
We at Miami Beach Environment stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Commissioner Libben in asking you to get your butts off our beaches!
