Many in Lexington, Kentucky (where I live) used to proudly proclaim the city as “The Burley Tobacco Capital of the World.” Lexington took pride in the quantity and quality of the burley tobacco produced here and in other parts of central Kentucky.
Large quantities of burley tobacco continue to be grown in central Kentucky. But the crop no longer is honored as it was in the past.
In recent years actions have been taken to restrict tobacco use here. Lexington now has a smoking ban that prohibits smoking inside most businesses, including restaurants and bars. The University of Kentucky prohibits smoking anywhere on its campus. And many area hospitals also have adopted smoke-free facilities, not allowing smoking even in their parking lots. Some of the restrictions apply to all forms of tobacco use, not just smoking it.
If Lexington can take this action on tobacco, maybe areas around the country and world that haven’t already will soon follow. Of course Lexington was not the first city to set up restrictions on tobacco use. Other cities around the country had similar or even more stringent restrictions sooner, and some entire nations probably do.
In fact, centuries ago in 1604 King James of England condemned tobacco in his treatise “A Counter-Blaste to Tobacco.” But, his treatise obviously did not stop tobacco’s popularity. However, apparently after numerous centuries of acquiring acceptance and popularity even among upper class people, tobacco is finally facing a serious and permanent decline in its acceptance among the general public in many countries. Wonderful!
By the way, cigarette butts are probably the #1 source of litter in terms of quantity. Persons who might never consider discarding other garbage on the ground seem to find it acceptable to throw down cigarette butts. When I worked at a McDonald’s restaurant here in Lexington for about 2 ½ years at least two fires were apparently started in shrubbery outside the building during a dry season by discarded cigarette butts. Who knows how many fires are started by cigarettes worldwide? Lexington is now seeking to reduce litter, including cigarette butts.
No human knows how much money tobacco production has generated here in Kentucky and elsewhere around the United States and the world for farmers and the tobacco companies they sell their product to. But the revenue certainly can’t compare to the incalculable cost incurred through the health problems of those afflicted by tobacco-related illnesses and the fires started by the products.
I am hopeful that countries where tobacco use is not actively discouraged will seek to restrict its consumption – and I am ashamed that Kentucky and the United States export tobacco to places where it is likely marketed and used in ways that are now illegal here. Advertising restrictions, education, and other efforts seem to be paying off here. I optimistically think that in another century tobacco use will be minimal in the world. That will be fabulous!