Social media influencer Laura Young’s tweet sparked a nationwide ban on disposable vapes in the UK. The issue began when Laura noticed littered disposable vapes while walking her dog in Dundee and decided to campaign against them.
Three years later, Laura’s actions led to an urgent report by the Scottish government, revealing that 2.7 million vapes were littered on Scotland’s streets in one year. The report also found that 22% of under-18s used vapes, highlighting a significant environmental concern.
The problem with disposable vapes is their environmental impact. When damaged, they can spontaneously combust due to lithium-ion batteries, posing a fire risk. A recent incident in Aberdeen destroyed a recycling facility after a discarded vape sparked the blaze.
In response to public pressure and Laura’s campaign, retailers began providing recycling bins for disposed devices. The UK and Welsh governments confirmed they would follow Scotland’s lead, delaying their ban by two months to align with the new legislation.
Laura credits her actions with building momentum, garnering support from councils and government reports. She says she is proud of the achievement but also notes that the campaign has raised awareness about other disposable technologies’ environmental damage.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77137xrrepo