Latest news with #OwenDerbyshire
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years. "The single-use vape ban being introduced will help us to protect children and young people from vape products so that they never start vaping and avoid the harms caused by nicotine addiction."
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years. "The single-use vape ban being introduced will help us to protect children and young people from vape products so that they never start vaping and avoid the harms caused by nicotine addiction."
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
A ban on single-use vapes will come into effect across Wales and the rest of the UK from June 1. The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years. "The single-use vape ban being introduced will help us to protect children and young people from vape products so that they never start vaping and avoid the harms caused by nicotine addiction."
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Seven Pembrokeshire beaches scoop Wales Coast Awards
Abereiddy, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Penally, Caerfai, Druidston, and West Angle Bay have all retained their Green Coast Award status. This means Pembrokeshire has the most Green Coast Award beaches in Wales. The Green Coast Award is given to beaches that are "hidden gems" of the Welsh coastline, boasting unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality, and a high standard of environmental education. The award is part of the Wales Coast Awards, which have been managed by Keep Wales Tidy for more than 20 years. The awards play a vital role in protecting the marine environment and are recognised worldwide as a symbol of quality. Keep Wales Tidy chief executive Owen Derbyshire said: "The Green Coast Awards celebrate Wales' beautiful and diverse coastline and are a testament to the huge effort of staff and volunteers at sites across Wales who work hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances. (Image: Fran Harper-Green) (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) "Most people are familiar with the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards – but it's just as important that we recognise the wild, unspoilt beaches that stretch along so much of the Welsh coast. "The Green Coast Award signifies the highest standards of water quality, environmental education, and site management. "These are the sweeping coastlines that define Wales on the world stage – and it's right that we celebrate these extraordinary places." The awards signify that a beach or marina meets and maintains the highest environmental standards and achieves tough water quality targets, as well as ensuring high standards of information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management. In addition to the 13 Green Coast Award recipients, 21 Welsh beaches were awarded Blue Flag status for 2025, recognising the excellent water quality, facilities, and safety provisions which make for a safe and fun day out at the seaside. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Wales boasts some of Europe's finest beaches and water quality, and the global recognition of our coastline is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of so many people. "Today we celebrate the announcement of the Wales Coast Awards 2025 winners. "With 21 Blue Flag awards, 13 Green Coast Awards, and 15 Seaside Awards, I commend the dedication to preserving our pristine coastal environments. "As we celebrate this achievement, let us also heed the call to protect and preserve our coastal treasures. "Let's ensure that we leave nothing but footprints, allowing these breathtaking spaces to be enjoyed for many generations to come."
