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Home > KQED Science News > Twitter on a Vape: Puff, Post, Pollute
Podcast: KQED Science News
Episode:

Twitter on a Vape: Puff, Post, Pollute
Category: Religion & Spirituality
Duration: 00:38:28
Publish Date: 2025-04-16 10:00:00
Description:

When tech reporter Samantha Cole saw a viral post about a touchscreen vape with built-in social media, she had to try it. Her experience prompted her to reflect on how disposable high-tech vapes are quietly becoming a growing threat to the planet.


In this episode, Cole shares what happened when she tried to “vape the internet.” We also hear from environmental philosopher and public health researcher Yogi Hale Hendlin, who says these high-tech disposables are made possible by a legal loophole — and that tackling the e-waste crisis will take a radical rethink of our relationship with the products we consume.


Guests:

Samantha Cole, Reporter and Co-Founder of 404 Media

Yogi Hale Hendlin, Environmental Philosopher and Assistant Professor at Erasmus University


Further reading:

I Tried to Vape the Internet - Samantha Cole, 404 Media 

Communities can't recycle or trash disposable e-cigarettes. So what happens to them? - Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

How ‘Sour Raspberry Gummy Bear’ — and Other Chinese Vapes — Made Fools of American Lawmakers - Marc Novicoff, Politico 

The right to repair electronics is now law in 3 states. Is Big Tech complying? - Maddie Stone, Grist  

Disposable vapes thrown away quadruples to 5 M per week - Material Focus


Read the transcript here

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Credits:

This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung. Our Producer is Maya Cueva. Chris Egusa is our Senior Editor. Additional editing by Jen Chien. Original music and sound design by Chris Egusa, with additional music from APM. Mixing and mastering by Brendan Willard and Chris Egusa. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad and Alana Walker. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Holly Kernan is our Chief Content Officer.

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