San Diego, CA — September 2025 — The Policy Research Center for Tobacco and the Environment, a partnership between SAY San Diego and San Diego State University, has released a new report, Support for Restricting Commercial Tobacco Use in the La Jolla Tribal Campground. The findings of this collaborative project with the La Jolla Tobacco Reduction Program show overwhelming support among campers for limiting or banning commercial tobacco use to protect the environment and enhance visitor experiences.
Click here to read our new report.
Commercial tobacco product waste (TPW), primarily cigarette butts, was found throughout the campground, including near campsites, restrooms, and the RV park. Researchers collected 248 waste items, 88% of which were cigarette butts. Over time, cigarette butts break down into microplastics and release toxic chemicals, contaminating soil and waterways. Just one cigarette butt can pollute up to 1,000 liters of water, posing risks to the river that flows through the site and its surrounding ecosystem.
Survey results reveal that:
- 83% of campers support banning or restricting the smoking of commercial tobacco products.
- 83% agree that tobacco waste contains dangerous chemicals.
- 78% are concerned about its environmental impact.
- Only 6% say they would stop camping if a smokefree policy were adopted.
The report underscores both the environmental risks of commercial tobacco product waste and camper support for restricting commercial tobacco use at the La Jolla Tribal Campground.
Contact:
Policy Research Center for Tobacco and the Environment
Dr. Georg Matt