The Growing Problem of Disposable E-Cigarette Pollution in UK Rivers

Aug.22.2024
The Growing Problem of Disposable E-Cigarette Pollution in UK Rivers
UK underwater filmmaker Mark Barrow highlights increasing issue of disposable e-cigarette litter in British rivers, sparking environmental concerns.

According to a report by National World on August 21st, the issue of disposable e-cigarette litter in British rivers is increasing.

The Growing Problem of Disposable E-Cigarette Pollution in UK Rivers
Image source: Mark Barrow/Beneath British Waters-Our Freshwater Planet.


British underwater filmmaker Mark Barrow, from the organization Beneath British Waters, has documented this phenomenon in a video and shared it on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).


The video released by Baro shows a disposable e-cigarette lying on the riverbed with fish swimming around it.


He wrote on X,


While diving in the river, more and more of these e-cigarettes were being discovered. This specific e-cigarette was found at a very deep spot in the river, to be exact, 7 meters deep, in a very dark and harsh environment. After the e-cigarette was used up, it was thrown into the river, assuming it had disappeared, but in reality, it was still there.


Barro added,


The discarded disposable e-cigarettes on riverbeds are "another regrettable pollution issue", and the situation is becoming increasingly serious. I started noticing e-cigarettes in rivers last year, but this year the situation has indeed worsened.


These e-cigarettes lay silently on the riverbed, leaking chemicals into the environment. Nicotine and chemicals from the plastic are being released into the water.


Baro's post has sparked discussions among numerous netizens, with some pointing out that this reflects a lack of respect for the natural environment.


I think this reflects some people's attitude towards the environment: 'I don't care!' throwing it into the river, throwing trash from the car, or leaving garbage on the beach.


Some people may be willing to immerse themselves in filth. Disgusting, revolting.


Some online users believe that these products "should have been banned from the start.


In addition, activist Laura Young, who leads the movement against disposable e-cigarettes, also responded to this post on X. She is calling on the UK government to take action to ban the use of disposable e-cigarettes and questioning whether the government is willing to commit to banning these products by April 1, 2025.


The impact of disposable e-cigarettes on the environment is endless. They should be banned. Will @UKLabour commit to banning them by April 1, 2025, like the previous government promised?


Baro expressed concern about environmental issues and hopes that the pollution problem caused by disposable e-cigarettes will receive more attention.


What is the real hope for saving the environment? When the majority of people will never care about the environment, especially freshwater, do we have any real hope left? Are we really so incapable of doing the right thing? Have we lost all pride and love for the natural world?


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Compliance Solutions Hosts PMTA Briefing on FDA Review Signals After JUUL2 Authorization
2Firsts Compliance Solutions Hosts PMTA Briefing on FDA Review Signals After JUUL2 Authorization
Following recent FDA authorizations for JUUL2 and ZYN ULTRA, 2Firsts Compliance Solutions held an online PMTA briefing on Sept. 4 to examine what the decisions may signal about review efficiency, scientific evidence and U.S. market access. Nearly 30 participants from brands, manufacturers, compliance service providers and investment firms joined the discussion.
2Firsts Events
Sep.06
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
business accounting for 68.5% of sales. A new controlling investment in a Western European distributor and plans to scale modern oral nicotine pouches point to a broader international strategy spanning channels and multiple product categories.
Special Report
Aug.14
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
British American Tobacco’s (BAT) nicotine pouch brand Velo has released a global consumer study and launched its “Echoes of Tomorrowland” campaign with electronic music festival brand Tomorrowland. The research surveyed 2,009 nicotine users across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland and Austria. Velo said 61% of respondents feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same, while 39% said building meaningful connections becomes harder with age. The campaign reflects how nicotine pouch brands are increasingly using music, communities and lifestyle marketing to build consumer engagement.
Aug.10
Product | KT&G Brings LOOP Nicotine Pouches to South Africa, Supporting ASF’s Expansion Across Africa
Product | KT&G Brings LOOP Nicotine Pouches to South Africa, Supporting ASF’s Expansion Across Africa
KT&G has introduced nicotine pouch brand LOOP in South Africa, expanding its modern oral nicotine portfolio. Developed by Swedish company Another Snus Factory (ASF), LOOP is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch brand. KT&G and U.S. tobacco company Altria previously participated in ASF’s strategic development, and the South Africa launch represents a further step in LOOP’s international expansion.
Aug.06
Product | JT Expands Vote-Winning EVO Cacao Mint Crystal to Nationwide Retail in Japan, Adds 22-Stick Limited Pack at Same Price
Product | JT Expands Vote-Winning EVO Cacao Mint Crystal to Nationwide Retail in Japan, Adds 22-Stick Limited Pack at Same Price
Japan Tobacco (JT) will expand EVO Cacao Mint Crystal from limited channels to nationwide retail in Japan from October 6, 2026. The Ploom tobacco stick ranked first in the brand's first consumer voting campaign for new tobacco-stick SKUs held earlier this year. JT will also introduce a limited 22-stick pack at the same JPY 620 price as the standard 20-stick pack. The capsule-format product combines menthol with sweet, bittersweet cacao notes and adds a berry nuance when the capsule is crushed.
Sep.09
RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue
RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue
RLX Technology (NYSE: RLX) has been removed from the FTSE All-World Index, effective September 21. FTSE Russell records show RLX was already part of its global equity index universe by 2022, when its American depositary receipts were classified as China Large Cap securities. Trading volume rose to about 44.77 million shares on September 18, roughly 23 times the previous session's volume. RLX reported RMB1.0105 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 14.8% year over year, with international operations contributing 68.5%. The company also acquired a 51% stake in one of Western Europe's largest distributors of next-generation smoke-free and FMCG products in July.
Sep.22