HOUSTON,TX, August 20, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Not only is the electronic cigarette touted as a more convenient alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes, but it is also praised for being more environmentally friendly. The green movement is stronger than ever, and many people are finding satisfaction in using a device that is more friendly to the environment.

E-cigarettes do not contain the thousands of chemicals, carcinogens, and cancer-causing agents typically found in tobacco cigarette smoke and are therefore better for the air, say environmentalists. "Chemicals emitted from the cigarette smoke can be found in the atmosphere. E-cigarette vapor doesn't."

According to ButtsOut, a UK-based company that makes portable cigarette butt dispensers, over 4 trillion cigarette butts are discarded annually, and about 30% never quite make it to the trash. With e-cigarettes, there is a significant decrease of waste. Depending on the model, a refill cartridge that contains the liquid solution is the equivalent of about 12 to 20 tobacco cigarettes, which means that less cigarette butts are thrown out. Plus, e-cigarette cartridges can be used repeatedly by placing just a few drops of the liquid solution, or e-liquid, into the used cartridge.

Furthermore, since cigarette butts are composed of a material called synthetic polymer cellulose acetate, it can take many years for a single butt to fully decompose. The length of time is unclear, but several studies show decomposition rates anywhere from 1 to 12 years or more.

What's worse is that within an hour of being in contact with water, the cigarette butt can start to release such chemicals as cadmium, arsenic, and lead, which is obviously bad for smokers, but even worse for marine life. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, do not even contain these and many more chemicals.

"It's nice to know that I am doing my part for the environment," says Tracy Sohner, a new fan who instantly dropped her 8-year addiction to tobacco cigarettes after switching to the e-cigarette alternative for the first time. "I believe it's very important to take care of the planet by being more conscious and responsible for your actions."