Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley has joined the RSPCA and the Marine Conservation Society in welcoming the UK Government’s announcement of a forthcoming ban on disposable vapes.
Five million single-use e-cigarettes are thrown away every week, and many of them end up as litter in our environment, our rivers and the ocean, where they can cause harm to animals and marine life. These vapes contain materials and poisonous substances which can be hazardous to animals, including plastic, lithium and nicotine.
The RSPCA says the announcement will help “create a better world for every animal”.
RSPCA Public Affairs Manager Harriet Main said:
“Too many single-use vapes are simply being tossed away in our communities, putting animals needlessly at risk; they could ingest the liquid from discarded, disposable vapes; while strewn devices can also impact habitats.
“We are calling on MPs to ensure the UK Government follows through on its announcement to introduce legislation to put an end to these polluting and dangerous items, which will be such an important move as we all strive to create a better world for every animal. Without action, animals remain at risk from carelessly discarded disposable vapes.”
An RSPCA survey – part of its #VexedAboutVapes campaign showed that 94% of respondents supported a ban on disposable vapes.
Speaking at the drop-in, Nigel Evans MP said:
“I am appalled at the number of single-use vapes that end up as litter on land, rivers and the ocean. But it is great to see the support and agreement for banning these dangerous and polluting disposable vapes amongst the public and I will continue to support a reduction in the amount of litter single-use vapes produce in the Ribble Valley and throughout the UK."