Australia is renowned for its pristine beaches, a source of national pride and a major drawcard for tourists from around the globe. However, a disturbing trend among the younger generation is currently threatening the sanctity of these cherished coastal spots.
The culprit is a seemingly harmless product that’s leaving an ugly mark on our environment.
‘They’re pretty gross. I use a rubbish picker which was $8 at Bunnings, or gloves that I got from Clean Up Australia which are coated in rubber so nothing can pierce them,’ Paige Smith, a dedicated volunteer beach cleaner, told Yahoo News.
According to Smith, the saliva-coated tobacco pouches plaguing the iconic Coogee Beach, once spat out, not only litter the beach but also pose a health hazard, especially in areas frequented by children.
These small sachets, which are designed to be placed under the lip and sucked for a nicotine hit, are being discarded without a second thought by teenagers and young adults, much to the dismay of locals and environmentalists.
This is why Smith, armed with a rubbish picker and sturdy gloves, is on the frontline of this battle against beach pollution.
The two main types of pouches causing concern are snus and nicotine pouches. Snus, a product originating from Sweden, is illegal in Australia due to its tobacco content. Despite this, it’s sold in brightly coloured tins and often flavoured with sweet fruit or mint, making it appealing to the younger crowd.
Nicotine pouches, on the other hand, are tobacco-free but still require a prescription for legal purchase. Both, however, are reportedly readily available on the black market.
Smith’s beach clean-ups reveal a troubling sight: alongside the ever-present cigarette butts, snus packets are a common find. On a single day, she might collect anywhere from 10 to 30 of these pouches, a clear sign of their popularity and the disregard for proper disposal.
The environmental impact of this trend is significant. Cigarette butts, which are often found alongside the tobacco pouches, contain microplastics and harmful chemicals that leach into the soil and waterways.
When Smith confronts smokers about their littering habits, she said they sometimes justify their actions by citing the risk of fire if butts are placed in bins. Yet, this excuse falls flat when it comes to the disposal of snus and nicotine pouches, which pose no such risk.
‘There’s no reason to actually litter them. In this area, there are bins on every corner. I found some this morning that were no more than five metres from a bin. It’s become commonplace to litter,’ she said.
In response to this growing problem, Smith has initiated a community group of beach cleaning volunteers. Their mission is to not only clean up the beaches but also to raise awareness and encourage responsible behaviour among beachgoers.
As we marvel at the unique and diverse landscapes that Australia has to offer, from its giant trees to its rare wildlife, it’s crucial that we also take responsibility for preserving these natural treasures. The actions of a few can have far-reaching consequences, and it’s up to each of us to ensure that our beaches remain clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Have you noticed this trend in your nearby beaches, too? Share your thoughts and stories with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments section.
Also read: Nicotine pouches banned in South Australia: A first for the nation
