From Elf bars to Lost Marys, disposable vapes have rocketed in popularity among British youth in the past year. With their candy-coloured shades and sickly-sweet vapour flavours, these nicotine pens aren’t only highly addictive – they’re also crap for the environment.
The Scottish government has just commissioned an urgent review of the environmental impact of single-use vapes – and it could include a ban on the products, full stop. Zero Waste Scotland will lead the review, and will cover issues such as littering and the risk of fires in waste facilities.
Lorna Slater, Scotland’s circular economy minister, said: ‘We will consider the evidence and expert advice and come forward with policy options, which could include a potential ban on single-use vapes.’
With London councils cracking down on illegal vape sales, as well as criticism from environmental campaigners up and down the country, it’s looking like 2023 could really be the year that Elf Bars die.