Further to yesterday's post, Pat Nurse sent me an email about pocket ashtrays:
I collect pocket ashtrays. I am always banging on about them to smokers in a bid to help them avoid the penalty for dropped litter.
They cost about £4 or £5 but I have also seen cheaper versions, not so decorative, in newsagents and tobacco shops for £2 or £3. They are metal and clip shut.
I carry mine in a small velvet bag with a touch of dry lavendar inside to negate any stale tobacco smells until I can empty it.
I have noticed more smokers using small tins, pots or tiny hotel jamjars with screw tops.
It annoys me that the authorities will not promote the use of these things rather than come down jackboot first.
Several members of Forest's Facebook group have commented as well:
Jenny Burrill, a long-time Forest supporter, wrote:
Excellent little ash purses available on the Internet. Foil lined, which puts out the butt, and hold five butts. Can't understand why they don't seem to advertise, I always have one at the ready.
Liz Owen commented:
I hate butts in floors even more than most non smokers as just looks so awful. I have two portable ashtrays that go everywhere with me, but wish they sold them with the cigarettes in supermarkets as would encourage more people to use them.
I may have underestimated the appeal of pocket ashtrays. Go on Amazon and you'll find a wide selection, mostly very cheap.
I don't know how long they last, or how useful they are, but I'd like to test them and find out.
What we need is a panel of smokers willing to provide feedback so we can compare and contrast a range of designs over a set period – rather like those long-term tests in What Car? magazine.
Watch this space.
Below: Pat Nurse with cigarette and pocket ashtray in Bayeaux
