The Organization
Free my Lungs is a non-profit organization made up of various people who have joined forces to fight against passive smoking.
We feel we are basically entitled to a smoke-free environment, and that is
what we are continuing to aim towards. We are opposed to smoking in general,
but we object in particular to passive smoking. We intend to apply pressure
by various means; spreading information, compiling educational programmes, trying
to persuade smokers to quit smoking, conducting campaigns, explaining and analysing
the medical side of passive and active smoking.
Free My Lungs Action Plan
What can be done?
The simplest and most efficient
solution would (of course) be to ban the sale of cigarettes completely. However,
this is not a realistic option; but we can aim for a smoke-free environment
and ensure that non-smokers are not forced to inhale along with the smokers.
Action Plan
You could call it a step-by-step plan. Belgium has countless laws,
but very often they are not enforced in practice. For example, the law requiring
restaurants and pubs to provide separate areas for smokers and non-smokers.
We have to work to ensure more inspections, and better enforcement. Also, we
need a change in mentality to take place. For instance, the people affected
by passive smoking must heave the courage to speak out, and say that it bothers
them or damages their health. We have to arrive at the notion that giving up
cigarettes or deliberately not smoking is “cool”. This can be achieved by organizing
awareness-raising campaigns. We could make teaching materials available to primary
schools, and help them reinforce their prevention campaigns. Various problems
relating to smoking and cigarettes will be relayed to our specific working groups
for further study. We will aim at measures which will entail both an increase
in the price of cigarettes and a ban on smoking in hotels, restaurants, and
cafés. There is indeed proof that it is primarily for financial reasons that
people abandon cigarette smoking. During an evening out, one smoker in five
won't go outside to smoke if a general smoking ban is in force. This has advantages
not only for the people who are currently exposed to passive smoking, but also
for the smoker's own health. Hence, an important part of our campaign will be
to convince the government of the need to take initiatives.