Positive Impact of Smoking Ban on Ecosystem at Telkom University

Telkom University has implemented a smoke-free policy on campus for the past few years. This step is not only to maintain the health of students and staff, but also has a significant positive impact on the campus environment. Many people may think that this rule only concerns human health, but in reality, the ecosystem around us also feels great benefits from this policy.

Direct Impact on Campus Health

If you often walk around campus, you will definitely feel the difference. The air feels fresher, and we feel more comfortable doing activities outdoors. This smoking ban automatically reduces exposure to cigarette smoke which contains many toxic substances. Cigarette smoke itself is known to contain more than 7,000 chemicals, and many of them are harmful to living things, including plants and animals.

With the implementation of the smoke-free policy, air pollution around Telkom University has decreased drastically. Plants growing around campus now have the opportunity to grow better because they are not exposed to harmful chemicals from cigarette smoke. In addition, students are also freer to enjoy the campus environment without having to worry about being exposed to cigarette smoke while relaxing in the park.

Reducing Cigarette Butt Waste

In addition to the smoke problem, cigarette butt waste is also a problem that is often overlooked. Before the smoking ban, many campus areas were filled with cigarette butts that were carelessly discarded. Although small in size, cigarette butts take a long time to decompose and can pollute the soil and water around them. The chemical content in cigarette butts, such as nicotine, heavy metals, and other compounds, can seep into the soil and damage the quality of the groundwater below.

With the smoking ban, the amount of cigarette butt waste on campus has been greatly reduced. This of course has a positive impact on the surrounding ecosystem, because the soil and water in the campus area are cleaner and healthier. Plants that grow around also no longer need to “fight” against the poison from rotting cigarette butts.

Encouraging More Environmentally Friendly Behavior

In addition to having a direct impact on the environment, this policy also indirectly encourages more environmentally friendly behavior among students and staff. With the decreasing number of smokers, positive habits such as walking around the green campus environment are becoming more popular. This motivates more people to help maintain the cleanliness and comfort of the campus.

This policy also provides important education about the dangers of smoking. Many students are starting to realize the negative impacts of smoking, not only for themselves, but also for the environment around them. Indirectly, they become more concerned about keeping the environment healthy and clean.

Protecting Animals Around Campus

The beautiful and tree-filled Telkom University campus is also home to several small animals, such as birds, insects, and other wild animals. Cigarette smoke and cigarette butts can damage their habitat. When people smoke carelessly, these animals can be negatively impacted, ranging from respiratory problems to contamination of their food sources.

With the smoking ban, animals around campus can live more peacefully and safely without having to worry about being exposed to toxins from cigarette smoke or garbage. The balance of the ecosystem in the campus area is also better maintained, and the natural environment at Telkom University becomes healthier and more sustainable.

Conclusion

The smoking ban at Telkom University not only has a positive impact on human health, but also brings great benefits to the campus ecosystem. With cleaner air, healthier soil and water, and better protected animals, this policy is truly a step forward in maintaining the campus environment. Now, students can enjoy a more comfortable learning atmosphere, while the surrounding environment remains sustainable.

By continuing to enforce the smoking ban and maintaining campus cleanliness, we all contribute to creating a better environment, both for humans and the surrounding environment.