- Having seen some of the vape litter picking videos I had made which went viral, she asked to come along and see the problem for herself.
- Armed with bin bags and litter pickers, we set off around the University of Dundee campus in search of discarded disposable vapes.
- Community engagement, including my vape hunt litter picks, and grassroots action have played a crucial role in driving this change.
Community is key
- My PhD at Abertay University and the University of Dundee investigates the links between climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and community engagement.
- My research has been running in parallel with the vape campaign, and I’ve had firsthand experience of the importance of local voices and community action.
- Collaboration with local community groups to find solutions is beginning to catch on after recent research has shown that multiple benefits are possible when working together.
Waking up to e-waste
- As a climate change activist, I couldn’t sit back and do nothing.
- That frustration led to the launch of the #BanDisposableVapes social media awareness campaign, then 16 months later, a proposed legislative change.
- In May 2023, I spent a Thursday evening emailing every single councillor in Scotland about the need to ban disposable vapes.
Grassroots innovation
- Throughout this campaign, I’ve seen countless examples of successful grassroots action.
- Parents and teachers have united to discuss solutions to youth vaping.
- Youth groups including the Eco Youth Club in Scalloway, Shetland have voiced their concerns to their councillors.
- Yes, we need businesses and governments to shift the system, but individuals have significant influence too.
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Laura Young does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.