Let’s Do It Kenya to launch TrashPockets, cigarette butt littering solution

Let’s Do It Kenya has collaborated with Let’s Do It World ahead of the launch of the TrashPocket, a reusable, odourless, fireproof and portable ashtray.

The TrashPocket, which is set to be launched on March 22 in Nairobi, Kenya, is meant to reduce effects of cigarette butt littering and how the product can help eliminate the problem.

The two partners are already reaching out to retailers and supermarket chains for distribution partnerships and making TrashPocket available for smokers to buy at cigarette selling points.

Let’s Do It Kenya said it will work with local retailers and other societal actors in its campaigns to encourage Kenyan cigarette smokers to purchase Trashpocket in local stores.

“As Let’s Do It Kenya, we are always seeking new ways to implement global ideas at local level. The TrashPockets campaign is a timely intervention for Kenya, now that we already are implementing the plastic bags ban, cigarette butts are the next frontier,” said Christine Sayo, Founder of Let’s Do It Kenya.

Sayo added, “With the Trashpocket we aim to reach out to the cigarette smokers with a tool that inspires and makes it easy and convenient to bin the butts. This is also a sanitary move that leads to clean and healthy surroundings for all.”

Patrick Hagerman, Trashpocket campaign leader, noted that up to 70 per cent of all manufactured cigarette filters end up as ground pollution hence the need to change this.

“The choice of 22nd March is strategic for us in that March 22nd being World Water Day, we want to start off our campaign by highlighting the effects of cigarette butt littering on water bodies,” said Oscar Wanjala, Country Coordinator, Let’s Do It Kenya.

Wanjala added that the product will be launched in Nairobi on March 22 then spread to other parts of Kenya during the year and will target smokers in both urban and rural areas.