Members' Business — S6M-10284 Gillian Mackay: Environmental Impact of Single-use Vapes

That the Parliament notes reported concerns regarding the environmental impact of single-use vapes, including in the Central Scotland region; recognises that, in the year ending January 2023, there were reportedly an estimated 543,000 vapers in Scotland, of which, 9% were under 16 and 14% were under 18 years of age; understands that most under-18 e-cigarette users prefer single-use vapes; welcomes the publication of a review that the Scottish Government commissioned Zero Waste Scotland to carry out into the environmental impact of single-use e-cigarettes; understands that, according to Zero Waste Scotland, the total emissions associated with disposable vapes in 2022 were estimated to have been up to 4,292 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), or the equivalent of around 2,100 cars on Scotland’s roads; further understands that, in the 52 weeks to early April 2023, the number of disposable vapes consumed in Scotland was estimated to be between 21 and 26 million units; understands that the weight of packaging and materials discarded as a result of single-use e-cigarette consumption in Scotland is currently between 800 and 1,000 tonnes per year; applauds the work of campaigners and organisations such as Laura Young and ASH Scotland to raise awareness of this issue; considers that the environmental and health impacts of vaping products are rising, and notes the view that action to tackle this is required from retailers, manufacturers and the Scottish Government.