Cigarette litter is no small matter; and askHRgreen.org and its locality partners are taking a big approach to encourage Hampton Roads residents to stop dropping their butts.

Through May 14, larger-than-life-size cigarette butt sculptures loom large in public spaces across the region. In Gloucester, the sculptures can be found at Beaverdam Park, Abingdon Park, Ark Park, Gloucester Point Beach and Woodville Park.

Coupled with an offer to provide free cigarette butt receptacles to area businesses, organizers of the #NoButtsAboutIt promotion hope the artwork will convince smokers to keep local landscapes and waterways cigarette litter-free.

“It is well documented that cigarette butts are the most frequently littered item in the United States,” said Katie Cullipher, an askHRgreen.org team leader. “Sure they’re small, but flicking a cigarette butt on the ground is actually a big deal. Cigarette litter has a ripple effect in our communities with long-lasting impacts.”

Constructed out of PVC pipe and spray foam insulation, the sculptures vary in size, measuring approximately two- to three-feet long.

Funded in part by a grant from Keep Virginia Beautiful, the #NoButtsAboutIt promotion illustrates the negative impact cigarette litter has on the environment. According to Keep America Beautiful, it represents 38 percent of roadway litter, 32 percent of litter in storm drains and 32 percent of litter in outdoor recreation areas.

Free-standing cigarette waste receptacles, however, can make a difference when conveniently placed where people gather. As part of the #NoButtsAboutIt campaign, Hampton Roads business owners can apply online for one of 100 free cigarette waste receptacles at www.askhrgreen.org/grants/cigarette-waste-receptacle-grant.

For a listing of the sculpture locations and updates visit https://askhrgreen.org/no-butts-about-it.