The Vape Shop is looking closely at the impact that disposable vapes have on the environment. Discussions are underway at the moment looking at the various options including the possibility of banning the sale of disposable vapes from their online and offline stores. This may seem like a bit of an ‘own goal’ by The Vape Shop, as disposable vapes are a booming market..
The ethos behind The Vape Shop is serving and helping smokers switch to a safer alternative with less health risk. Yes, The Vape Shop is a business that makes money, but it’s also a business with ethics. The two factors of a) attracting new young people (non-smokers) and b) the environmental impact, both demand strong attention.
Disposable Vapes Vs The Environment
Disposable vapes, also known as disposable electronic cigarettes, have become a popular alternative to traditional reusable vapes in recent years. However, disposable vapes have negative impacts on the environment. Plastic waste can have serious environmental and wildlife consequences, such as litter, habitat destruction, and pollution of oceans and other waterways.
In a recent scientific paper researchers Jérémie Pourchez, Clément Mercier and Valérie Forest highlight the massive impact disposable vapes are and could have on the environment and it is worthy of looking at.
1.3 million single-use e-cigarettes are thrown away in the UK every week
One major concern is the amount of waste that disposable vapes generate. Disposable vapes are designed to be used once and then disposed of, and they are not easily recyclable. This means they contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste in landfills and the environment.
The plastic a disposable vape is made of is a durable material that takes a long time to break down in the environment. The specific time frame for how long plastic decomposes depends on the type of plastic and the conditions in which it is disposed of.
In general, it can take hundreds of years for plastic to decompose. For example, it can take 500 years or more for a plastic water bottle to decompose in a landfill. Other types of plastic, such as plastic bags and plastic film, can take even longer to decompose.
Disposable Vape Production Environmental Impact
In addition, the actual production of disposable vapes also has an environmental impact. The production of these products requires the use of fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Another concern is the potential for disposable vapes to litter public spaces. Disposable vapes are small and can easily be discarded in public places, leading to litter on streets, parks, and beaches.
Overall, it is important for The Vape Shop to consider disposable vapes’ environmental impacts, and consider ways to reduce their use and mitigate their negative environmental effects. This might include promoting reusable vapes to disposable vape users, instructing single vape users on how to properly dispose of disposable vapes, and supporting policies and initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of these products.
