I recently came across this article. "Zoo Wants Chimpanzee to Stop Smoking'' and it made me wonder, do the general smoking populous have no regard for anyone or anything? I am not talking about the courteous smokers who are just having a problem or had resigned to their own addictions. I'm talking about the ones who are insensitive, thoughtless, and in many cases rude.

Sadly, it's the latter that is making it harder for responsible smokers. Because of these thoughtless people, it is rare to find the words "Smoker" and "Responsible" in the same sentence. (Unless it's, "The smokers are responsible for second hand smoke".) Just because someone chooses an unhealthy path or had become addicted, doesn't give the right or the privilege of being a "Butt"-head.

I will offer some solutions to some common problems about the Clash of The Smokers/Non-Smokers. These SIMPLE things can help everyone in the long run in one way or another:

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~Tossing Cigarette Butts Onto The Ground~

This is thoughtless and messy. In fact, if you have ever traveled abroad, in many countries you would be considered a rude slob. There is an easy thing you can do. Buy a "Tin" of candies. I like Altoids® myself. Use the empty container secured by a rubber band to dispose of your butts until you can properly dispose of them.

~Tossing Butts From A Moving Vehicle~

This is DANGEROUS! Don't Do It! You may THINK that the cigarette butt would extinguish itself, but overall these butts are extremely light and are blown by breezes and the jet streams of vehicles until they find a non-smooth place in the road. This is usually on the median where there is dry brush or weeds. If you have done this in the past, you might have been responsible for a roadside fire or two. Don't think that because you are on a freeway or highway that is mostly asphalt or cement that your cigarette can't travel that far. If small pieces of paper can, so can your butts!

What's even more dangerous is that these butts can fly back into vehicles and start a fire (even your own). It could take moments or hours for the fire to start. If you don't want to use your ashtray, use the Candy Tin. It's safer.

~Smoking In The "Boys Room" (Restroom)~

Unless you live in a household of smokers or it's your own private restroom, this is not a good place for a "nicotine fix". The tell-tale signs of residual smoke will linger and the second-hand smoke is not a welcome breath of fresh air for those that don't smoke or have health problems. It is better to find or create a designated area to smoke away from the general crowd. If you don't know if such an area will be available, you can always buy yourself some "special" gum. (Just make sure you don't stick the chewed gum under a table. Be courteous. Toss it in the trash.)

~Non-Smokers Being Good Hosts ~

If you are having a general get together, it is nice to designate an area for smokers. Remember, smoking (for the most part) is an addiction. Being a good host is making things comfortable for your guests. Even if you provide a small place outdoors with an ashtray or tin can is better received than no place at all.

Smokers- If you have non-smoking friends, and you are uncertain if there will be a smoking area, plan ahead. You can pace yourself, bring gum, or find another form of "coping" that works for you. Remember, even though you have that "craving", your friends and family are important to you.

~Extinguishing Cigarettes In Beverage Containers~

This may not be dangerous for smokers as it is more dangerous for the unaware. I have seen too many children and adults drink from bottles and cans that they thought were okay to drink from only to ingest a form a cigarette ash and nicotine tea. YUCK! It's not attractive to see a cigarette butt being spat out by the unaware, so I would suggest that the smoker would find more suitable places to place their butts. Also with the current trend of recycling, these soggy butts are not a welcome addition to the process.

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I am sure that there are many more examples, but my point is this. Just because someone is a smoker or not, doesn't mean we can't be civil or courteous. Sometimes we need a gentle reminder of the problems regarding "Smoking Etiquette". It should apply to EVERYONE and not just the addicted. If you are a smoker who is tired of spending a wad of money to buy cigarettes and want to beat the habit, check with your local health provider. There are many Free or Low-Cost programs that help to obtain a healthier you. If you don't know where to go, may I suggest the following links:

Smokefree America

Quit Smoking Online.Com

Smokefree Families (Pregnant Mothers)