In 2024, environmental issues have come to the forefront more than ever. Many smokers and vapers are concerned about how their routines and product consumption are negatively impacting nature and the earth’s fragile ecosystems. However, there are a variety of ways vapers can consume conscientiously and reduce the footprint and environmental impact of their vaping. 

1. Ditch the Cigarettes Completely
   According to National Geographic, 6.5 trillion cigarettes are purchased every year worldwide. Two hundred sixty-seven billion cigarettes are smoked per year in the U.S. alone. This has led to the unbelievably high amount of individual cig butts polluting the oceans, a number estimated at 4.5 trillion. This means more cigarette butts are floating in the oceans than bottles, plastic bags, or straws.   
   It is also a common misconception that cigarettes are biodegradable. They are made from cellulose acetate rather than paper. This artificial plastic takes around ten years to biodegrade, yikes! Unlike plastic waste from vaping products, these butts contain all the harmful chemicals found in smoke, including arsenic, lead, formaldehyde, cadmium, copper, and more. Transforming to vaping from smoking is a step up from this for the environment.
2. Choose Reusable Vape Devices
   Disposable vapes may be convenient and affordable, but their short life span means you will throw away batteries consistently. Upgrading to a quality rechargeable vape device will reduce waste AND enhance your experience.
   Another reason to switch from disposables is because they contain nicotine and a battery in the same device, making them more problematic to recycle. On the other hand, high-quality mods feature a separate lithium-ion battery designed to have a long lifespan.
3. Choose Larger, Refillable Vape Tanks
   Larger format tanks and pods are preferable to more minor, single-use cartridges. Quality plastic or glass pods/tanks will reduce the amount of vape waste you produce. Devices with replaceable coils and mesh have an even longer lifespan and will result in lower waste production.
   It is crucial to be mindful when disposing of vape batteries to ensure they are recycled and handled correctly. Once a vape is used, seal the device and dispose of it within 90 days. 
   Alternatively, you can return the vape battery to the supplier for recycling. Under the WEEE legislation, vape sellers are obliged to accept returned used batteries and dispose of them in an eco-friendly manner.
4. Dispose of Vape Batteries Correctly
   Check local resources for hazard waste collection sites. Many areas have local battery recycling facilities.
   With disposable devices, remember that while some can be recycled to a standard battery recycling center, other devices must be separated into various components that need to be handled separately.
5. Dispose of E-Liquid Correctly
   Vape liquid can be toxic to wildlife. Do not rinse it down the sink when disposing of it, as it may contaminate water. Make sure to keep it away from children and pets.
   An easy option to avoid vape juice waste is to share unused e-liquid with a friend. Another way to reduce its negative environmental impact is to mix it with an absorbent like sawdust, wood chips, or kitty litter to soak up the vape juice. Then, seal it in a biodegradable bag and place it in a secure garbage can.
6. Dispose of Vape Cartridges Correctly
   It can be trickier to determine how to recycle e-liquid cartridges since they contain both plastic and nicotine. Some sources say e-liquid carts can’t be recycled since they contain nicotine, and others say they can if they are cleansed with soap and water first. Because of this conflicting information, you must check local laws and regulations to understand the protocol.
   Another option is to go with brands that produce biodegradable, sustainable cartridges. Do a bit of extra research to go with brands who are thinking ahead.
7. Reduce Power Consumption
   This is common sense: turn off your device when not in use. This will use less electricity and increase your device’s longevity. In addition, consider mouth-to-lung vaping instead of direct lung vaping, as it uses less power and resources like e-liquid and coils.
8. Reduce E-Liquid Consumption
   You can reduce vape juice consumption by choosing high-strength vape juice like nic salts. If you have much more potent e-juice, you’ll go through it less quickly and reduce your environmental vape footprint. 

The relationship between vaping and the environment is complex. While eco-friendly vaping options are emerging, it's crucial to understand how traditional vaping practices can be detrimental to our planet. Addressing questions like 'Is vaping bad for the environment?' and 'How does vaping affect the environment?' helps make more sustainable choices. As we move forward, manufacturers and consumers must consider environmental impacts and strive for greener vaping solutions.