Consumer preference depends on a variety of factors. In recent years, there has been a trend in preferring products that are eco-friendly. Within the last ten years e-cigarettes have risen in popularity significantly. One question that often isn’t considered when deciding between the two, is which one is better for the environment.

At first glance, it may appear that traditional cigarettes are worse for the environment because of the flame. But there are many hidden dangers for the environment associated with the consumption of e-cigarettes. Lung Foundation Australia mentions the destruction and deforestation of local habitats, along with the carbon emissions caused from the production of the product.

As you can imagine, disposable vapes end up in landfills and trash bins around the world. Due to the need of a battery, vapes have the potential risk of setting on fire or exploding. While a fire in a dumpster or a landfill may not seem as bad to some, imagine if it was in your own home. In Maldon, England a family's home was left uninhabitable after an e-cigarette was left charging unattended. As the e-cigarette was charging, it heats up greatly. This caused the bedding to set aflame and engulf most of the family's home. While e-cigarettes are more convenient to some, their production process, carbon output, and risk of starting a fire, has a much more harmful impact on the environment.

References:
“Maldon: Family Home Engulfed in Fire Caused by Charging Vape.” BBC News, BBC, 17 Nov. 2022, www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-63658613.
The Environmental Impact from E-Cigarettes, lungfoundation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vape_FactSheet.pdf. Accessed 11 May 2025.