The first youth-led initiative
in advocating and tackling
the pressing challenge of waste
generated by disposable e-cigarettes
Geneva, Switzerland
Since 2022 ©PuffCycle
Mentioned on
Puffcycle is the first youth-led initiative in advocating and tackling the pressing challenge of waste generated by disposable e-cigarettes, commonly referred to as "puffs”. The various components of a puff, notably the lithium-ion battery, can pose significant threat on our land and water ecosystems when not properly disposed. However, currently very few people are aware of this issue, and there’s a lack of practical solutions to tackle the challenge.
PUFFS ARE A HUGE THREAT TO OUR ENVIRONMENT
A puff is powered by a lithium-ion battery hidden inside its aluminum or plastic case, which if not disposed properly can release harmful toxins and pose a serious fire hazard. However, the current low public awareness about this risk as well as the lack of accessible disposal sites for puffs is resulting in most used puffs ending up in normal trash bins or landfills. This endangers our environment as well as poses a threat to the safety of workers who handle the garbage sorting and transportation.
As the global e-cigarette user population reaches tens of millions and the number of puff users continues to grow exponentially, the volume of hazardous waste generated by used puffs is a deeply concerning issue.
1 in 8 young people smoke puffs regularly in Switzerland.
90tonnes of lithium used in 2022, equivalent to producing over 11,000 EV batteries.
78% young people discard their puffs without any recycling.
2,200% increase in sales of puffs between 2021 and 2022 in Switzerland.
THE PROBLEM IS TOO BIG TO BE IGNORED
In Switzerland, there has been a 2,200% increase in the sales of disposable e-cigarettes from 2020 to 2022, with 10 million vapes imported in 2022. Globally, it was estimated that 90 tones of lithium were used in vapes in 2022 – that same amount could fuel over 11,000 Electric Vehicle batteries. In addition, the use of puffs is worryingly significant among the youth – 1 in 8 young people is reported to smoke puffs regularly. The rapidly rising popularity of puffs among teenagers and minors is adding another layer of challenge on the already significant problem.
We organised an action day!
OUR ACTIONS
Puffycle was selected to pitch our initiative to a diverse and global audience at Change Now Paris 2023 in May 2023, the largest event of solutions for our planet gathering across 120+ countries!
A big thank you to Global Shapers Paris for this wonderful opportunity.
Towards a
World
Free of Puff Waste
EVENTS WE’VE SPOKEN AT
WANT TO BECOME
OUR PARTER
OR COLLABORATE
WITH US?
Join us in making a difference!
Your partnership or donation to Puffcycle - A Geneva Hub project, can ignite change and bring our vision to life. Whether you contribute your time, expertise, or resources, your support is invaluable. Every contribution brings us a step closer to our goal!
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