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ESF Becomes Tobacco-free Campus
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) joined college campuses across the country in becoming tobacco- and smoke-free.
The new policy, which includes students, faculty, staff, visitors, contractors and vendors, went into effect Jan. 1.
"This is part of our effort to provide a healthy and safe environment for the ESF campus community within the context of our broader sustainability initiatives. College is when many people start to experiment with tobacco and nicotine-containing products like vaping which can frequently result in addiction," said Dr. David C. Amberg, interim president. "This was the story of my mother when she was at Syracuse University and I watched for years as she struggled to quit as nicotine is the single most addictive drug we know of. Consistent with our values at ESF, we are obligated to create an environment that discourages taking up the habit and helps members of our community quit this health-destroying habit."
As a STEM-based institution dedicated to sustainability and protecting the planet, ESF also considered the environmental impact smoking and tobacco products have on the environment. In addition to the health risks, tobacco products can lead to soil, water and air contamination, be dangerous to wildlife, and is the number one source of litter on the planet.
"ESF is committed to a tobacco- and smoke-free campus as a means to ensure the physical, emotional, and social well-being of all those on our campus properties," said Amberg.
Signage has been installed on campus reminding everyone of the new campus policy.