The Ballad of Lost Mary: E-cigarette Sculpture in Devon

Sep.05.2024
The Ballad of Lost Mary: E-cigarette Sculpture in Devon
Plymouth volunteer team creates sculpture from 4500 disposable e-cigarettes, highlighting environmental impact of single-use products.

According to a report by the BBC on September 4th, a team of volunteer litter pickers in Plymouth, Devon, UK, created a sculpture using 4,500 disposable e-cigarettes collected last year.

The Ballad of Lost Mary: E-cigarette Sculpture in Devon


This five-foot (1.5 meters) tall sculpture, titled "The Ballad of Lost Mary," has been on display throughout the city since June, with its final exhibition location being Plymouth Train Station.


The founder of the company CIC, El Clarke, stated that the plan is to dismantle and recycle the e-cigarette used in this sculpture after it is displayed. This sculpture not only symbolizes the widespread use of e-cigarettes, but also the proliferation of disposable products in society.


We created a five-foot tall sculpture using e-cigarettes, aimed at raising awareness about the environment. In the center of the sculpture is a hand with a seahorse at the top, symbolizing marine animals struggling to survive in trash.


We used recycled polystyrene, and artists also used some other materials to complete this sculpture.


The sculpture artwork "The Ballad of Lost Mary" made from 4500 disposable e-cigarettes. Image source: CIC.


A sculpture titled "The Ballad of Lost Mary" made from 4,500 disposable e-cigarettes. Image source: CIC.


When asked about the number of disposable e-cigarettes collected last year, she stated, "The quantity is truly astonishing.


Fortunately, this year we have seen a significant decrease in the number of this type of e-cigarette, especially before the 2025 ban takes effect, which is a good thing.


We hope that by the time the ban is implemented, these disposable e-cigarettes will essentially be phased out.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

InterTabac 2025 Highlights Europe’s Vaping Dilemma: Tighter Regulation, Constrained Innovation
InterTabac 2025 Highlights Europe’s Vaping Dilemma: Tighter Regulation, Constrained Innovation
According to 2Firsts’ on-site observations, the vaping halls at InterTabac 2025 have visibly cooled: fewer exhibitors, a weaker presence from major brands, and scarce stage activations; new product momentum is weak and homogenization has intensified. Tightening regulation and policy uncertainty are squeezing innovation, pushing companies to replicate proven models—overall, a “cautious showcase.”
Sep.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
DARE Warns Malaysia: Vaping Bans Will Expand Illicit Market; Strengthen Enforcement Within Existing Framework
DARE Warns Malaysia: Vaping Bans Will Expand Illicit Market; Strengthen Enforcement Within Existing Framework
Malaysia’s policy think tank Datametrics Research and Information Sdn Bhd (DARE) cautions that state- or nationwide bans on e-cigarettes would fuel the illicit market, weaken investor confidence, reduce tax revenues, and cost jobs. DARE argues that authorities should prioritize consistent enforcement under existing laws rather than impose new prohibitions.
Sep.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai police arrested a 28-year-old woman and seized e-cigarettes worth approximately $2,508
Thai police arrested a 28-year-old woman and seized e-cigarettes worth approximately $2,508
A 28-year-old Thai woman was arrested in a luxury apartment on suspicion of illegally selling e-cigarettes. Police seized 150 e-cigarettes with a total value of about 80,000 baht (about US$2,508).
Sep.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Vape Sellers in the Netherlands Could Be Fined Up to €4,040
Illegal Vape Sellers in the Netherlands Could Be Fined Up to €4,040
The outgoing Dutch government plans to raise fines for illegal sales of vapes and cigarettes, with first-time offenders facing a €2,040 penalty. The new fines, up to €4,040 for large companies, are expected to take effect on July 1, 2026, pending parliamentary approval.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
RELX Launches Guide Dog Partner Program in China, Delivers First 10 Trained Dogs
RELX Launches Guide Dog Partner Program in China, Delivers First 10 Trained Dogs
RLX Technology has launched a RMB 4 million guide dog program in China, delivering the first 10 trained dogs as its RELX brand expands social responsibility efforts amid a nationwide shortage.
Nov.14
Australian Border Force Seizes 586M Cigarettes and 3M Vapes in Record First Quarter
Australian Border Force Seizes 586M Cigarettes and 3M Vapes in Record First Quarter
Australian Border Force (ABF), 586 million cigarettes and over 3 million vapes were seized at Australia’s international border in the first quarter of the 2024–25 financial year (July 1–September 30), marking a continued upward trend over the past two years. Enhanced intelligence and data-sharing have enabled ABF to target suspicious consignments more effectively across all entry points.
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai