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BBC Scotland’s environment correspondent, Kevin Keane, reports on the remarkable journey of social media influencer Laura Young, whose advocacy against littered disposable vapes has resulted in a nationwide ban. Young, known online as ‘Less waste Laura,’ was inspired to take action after noticing the prevalence of discarded vapes while walking her dog in Dundee. Her efforts, which began with a single social media post, have culminated in a significant change in the law across the UK.
Young’s impactful message resonated widely, garnering millions of views on social media platforms and sparking government interest in her cause. Following the publication of a report commissioned by the Scottish government on the environmental and societal impacts of single-use vapes, it was revealed that millions of these devices were littered annually, posing a threat to the environment and public health. Young expressed particular concern about the devices’ potential to cause damage, highlighting the need for urgent action.
In a concerning incident, a vape-related fire destroyed a recycling facility in Aberdeen, underscoring the dangers posed by these devices. The presence of lithium-ion batteries in vapes makes them prone to spontaneous combustion when improperly disposed of. Following the proposal of the Scottish ban in 2024, the UK and Welsh governments also committed to implementing similar measures, aligning efforts to address the growing issue of vape litter nationwide.
Despite the success of her campaign, Young remains focused on the broader implications of disposable technologies on the environment. Retailers have taken steps to provide recycling bins for vapes, but the ongoing challenge of littered devices persists. Reflecting on her achievements, Young acknowledges the need for continued advocacy on environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of collective action in advancing sustainability efforts. As she contemplates her next campaign, Young’s dedication to environmental causes serves as a testament to the impact of individual activism in driving positive change
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