I don’t know if I have shared this or not, but I hate, sincerely HATE when people do not take care to properly dispose of their cigarette butts. I used to smoke, and I was one of the MOST conscientious smokers that I knew. I always dealt with my garbage and disposed of my cigarette butts correctly. I never threw my butts out my car window or onto the ground like so many other smokers. But, the Universe allowed an experience with someone else’s flying butt and its effect on my view of this habit has been life changing.
Now, I am not saying that the incident that occurred was as life altering as a house fire or death in the family, but it was sincerely huge to ME. my son was hurt when he was just an infant. AND, he was hurt simply because some idiot was too lazy to deal with his stupid cigarette butt the right way - instead of throwing his butt out the window!
We were driving up Meridian Ave, from Graham to Puyallup, coming up from the bottom of the hill. We were just passing in between the Pierce County refuse and recycling site on the east side and the firing range on the west side of the road. We had our windows rolled down just a little bit in the small burgundy Subaru, because the weather was absolutely lovely. It wan’t very cool, and actually warm enough to enjoy the lovely wind as it rushed through my hair.
I remember smiling and looking out the window to the right as my husband pulled toward the top of the hill. I saw the silver-y truck in front of us throw a cigarette butt out the passenger window, and I think I rolled my eyes. All at once there was a high shriek from the backseat. I couldn’t tell immediately what had happened because it wasn’t a very large vehicle and slightly difficult to move around in, with bucket seats. I figured the baby must have been bit by a flying ant or some other insect, as soon as I could get turned around enough, I reassured and soothed him as best I could and then I saw the smoke! The truck in front of us had thrown a lit cigarette out their window, and it sucked directly into our vehicle, through my infant son’s slightly open window!
I managed to get the butt out of my son’s car seat and away from his leg before the seat caught fire and before a hole formed in his leg. When I saw the butt come out of the trucks window on two-lane highway, I didn’t think anything of it. It was just a normal littering issue, that I hated, even then.
I wasn’t as emphatic about people tossing their butts out the window at that time, but now I am consistently watching for violators, and when I see them - Whoa! Today, while commuting to and from work, I saw three different vehicles throw LIT cigarettes out their windows! Now, honestly, I am not sure if people are just stupid, or do they not realize that dry grass actually catches fire? Do they not understand that wind fans the fire? Were they never taught that fire is destructive and ruins lives? Have they never witnessed the fire trucks rushing at full speed to get to a home to save it from the rages of the yellow and red lapping flames? Sometimes I wish there was more that I could do to stop these people, and today I decided to start video recording my commute rides. At least I will have proof if I see something really bad, as in someone being severely injured or worse. In any case, I will be able to help in any situations where proof is needed, and I will be able to protect myself.
Just know that throwing your lit butt out your window is illegal. If you see your relative doing it, please stop them! Don’t do it yourself...you are better than that! I have a huge personal journey this summer, as people start rolling down their windows to enjoy the fresh air - Ha Ha. I battle the frustration and anger toward human beings as I watch their stupidity. I must find the right way to let the Goddess’ love come through while still getting my point across. REMEMBER -We can ALL love and care for this beautiful earth - this mother Gaia. She has given us so much and, no matter how much some of us care and give to her, we all have to love and honor her.
And - a great way to help take care of our earth is to make sure that those violators stop and take their punishment - hopefully learning a lesson and turning over a new leaf. You can take action at this litter bug action site. Please check it out! You are able to post all relevant information AND it is completely anonymous, so you do NOT have to worry about retribution! Please take a look at this site and join in the fight to take back this earth!
