Envision a Smoke Free Lifestyle

We all know the health benefits of quitting smoking or not starting, but the My Smoke Free Lifestyle Contest has made people think about the social and economic benefits as well. Whether it’s for yourself, your friend or children, whatever your reason – it’s always a good time to go smoke-free.

Quitters Unite did the math and I was shocked at how expensive smoking is. Did you know that smoking a pack of cigarettes per day costs about $300/month. That’s $3600 per year! And even if you don’t smoke that much, it still adds up fast.

Quitters Unite asked British Columbians what their smoke-free lifestyle would look like, and they got some great answers. They captured some of the fun and fabulous ways to spend that $300/month.

Check out the contest finalists and vote for your favourite during National Non-Smoking Week – ending on Saturday, January 21. The winner will take home an iPad 2.

And if there’s someone in your life who could benefit from a Smoke Free Lifestyle, get them to check out the videos too. Envisioning is a great motivator and it’s always encouraging to know that others have done it too.

Samantha Hartley-Folz
Manager, Programs and Policy
January 2012