How is your New Years resolution going? Last year my resolution was to go to the gym at least 3 times a week. That lasted for 3 weeks. This year I’m trying to be more eco-friendly. Switching from smoking to vaping is obviously a massive step in helping the environment due to the the materials and chemicals in them.
“Cigarette filters are made of a plastic called cellulose acetate. When tossed into the environment, they dump not only that plastic, but also the nicotine, heavy metals, and many other chemicals they’ve absorbed into the surrounding environment. (National Geographic)” but even after ditching smoking there is more we can do.
1. Recycle your batteries
Most batteries are now rechargeable but one day it will reach the end of it’s life. When it does, don’t throw it away, recycle it. Here’s a handy tool to find where to drop off your old batteries https://www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling
2. Reduce single-use devices
If you vape frequently try to use a refillable vaping device. Single use, or disposables (you’ll find them in your local or petrol station) might be useful in an emergency but they put a strain on the environment.
3. Reuse Liquids
Taste is subjective, and that applies to e-liquids as well and what’s even more annoying, taste can change. I can love a flavour for a few weeks and then decide it’s not for me and that’s how I end up with half filled shortfills. The worst thing you can do at this point is to throw them away or empty them own the drain. E-liquid can be hazardous to children and animals; putting a bottle in the bin could lead to it being found and drunk.Also, resist the urge to empty the juice down the drain. We simply don’t know if this has any effect on our waterways.
Instead of wasting the vape juice, save it for family or friends. The amount of times people have popped over for a cuppa and “forgot” their e juice at home. That’s when I dive into my drawer and introduce them to my past loves. Most of my family and friends vape so I can usually find someone who is happy to take a near-full bottle of e-liquid off my hands, for free. Also try mixing some of your old flavours together. You’ll be amazed how a drop of menthol can make an old flavour a new exciting flavour.
4. Safely Dispose
Sometimes you have to throw it away (don’t become a hoarder) but do it in the most environmentally friendly manner.
The safest way to dispose of unwanted e-liquid is to empty it onto an absorbent material such as cat litter or sawdust, popping it into a compostable bag, and disposing with your normal waste. Simple. You can pick up cat litter at most shops and saw dust is pretty cheap at your local DIY shop. I’ve even seen people giving it away on Gumtree.
5. Use Local Suppliers
Another way to be an eco-friendly vaper is to check with your chosen supplier where their products originate from and if they are manufactured in the UK. This helps by cutting down on air shipping and contributing to overall carbon emissions.
With vaping hardware, that becomes a little trickier as most of it is manufactured outside the UK. However, you can still do your bit by making sure your device of choice is top quality. Reputable brands might cost a little more upfront, but their products will last you far longer meaning you won’t need to replace them as often.