E-Reader? I’m an E-smoker…

Since the English smoking ban came into force last summer, pubs, cinemas and restaurants have leaked out onto the streets. Non-smokers are now free to eat, drink and watch films without breathing others smoke, while smokers get to enjoy the great outdoors – but this can leave the pavements ankle deep in cigarette butts.

Now the Chinese have come up with an alternative. The e-cigarette is an electronic device that allows people to smoke wherever they want – without breaking the law. This new gizmo is battery-powered and creates “puffs” of nicotine vapour that smokers inhale to get their nicotine fix. This is produced by an atomiser, and is pure nicotine: There is no tar, no cancer causing chemicals, no carbon monoxide – no cigarette butts.

The ‘cigarette’ even lights up red at the tip, and it comes in a range of strengths from 16 milligrams of nicotine down to nothing. It costs a mite more than a pack of ten – $175 including a charger and batteries, and will last for around 350 drags (about thirty smokes) until it needs a refill. But it does have a five year guarantee!

For the more discerning e-smoker, e-cigars and e-pipes are also available.

This e-cigarette is produced in China by Ruyan. If this all seems a little too wacky – but you do want to deal with the butts problem – you could do a lot worse than get a pocket ashtray from Butts Out. Use it yourself – or give it to your smoker friends…