News and Events

SWAT Youth and Community Join Forces for Park Clean-Up to Tackle Tobacco Litter
September 21, 2024

SWAT (Students working against Tobacco) and community members acted against tobacco waste by organizing a park clean-up day at McSwain Park on September 21, 2024. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impact of tobacco products and promote a cleaner, healthier community.

The event focused on removing cigarette butts, vape cartridges, and other tobacco-related litter from the park. Our youth want to make a difference in our community and show how harmful tobacco waste can be to our environment. Cigarette butts and vape cartridges are the most littered items in the world, and they take years to decompose. SWAT Youth and community members gathered over 15 lbs. of litter. It is crucial to address this issue locally.

The initiative has garnered support from local businesses and organizations, including the Arcadia City Police Department and the Drug-Free Coalition, who also provided resources and volunteers for the event. “We hope this event will inspire others to think twice before littering and to consider the broader impact of their actions.”

The SWAT Youth plan to continue their anti-tobacco efforts throughout the school year with additional clean-up events and educational campaigns. They are committed to making DeSoto County a cleaner, healthier place for everyone.

For more information on SWAT or if your child would like to join contact Lindsey Sager at lsager@quitdoc.com