FEATURE
TELL YOUR STORY … SAVE THE SMOKERS
How your quitting story could help encourage regulators around the world make better laws to save smokers ’ lives
Words : Jordan Millar
When it comes to vaping , consumer voices are one of the most powerful tools we have against bad regulation and misinformation . And with an estimated 55 million vapers around the globe , there are plenty of people with a story to tell . Consumers are now being urged to step up and share their own experiences with the reduced risk alternative and two of the world ’ s biggest advocacy groups have come together to give them an international platform . The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates ( CAPHRA ) has joined forces with the Consumer Advocates for Smoke- Free Alternatives Association ( CASAA ) to launch their ‘ Right to Vape ’ website . Nancy Loucas of CAPHRA said : “ This site will not only be a uniquely dedicated resource , but a powerful response to those who want to restrict access to vaping .”
She highlighted that the thousands of ‘ inspiring life stories ’ will humanise vapers , being a ‘ wake-up ’ call for world governments that could have otherwise taken an anti-vaping stance .
Alex Clark of CASAA added : “ All too often the debate around safer nicotine products is framed as a conflict between corporate profits versus public health .
“ We are the evidence that safer alternatives work and we are not going to be silenced .”
“ This international collection of consumer testimonials challenges that false and antiquated narrative . “ It ’ s full of genuinely lived experiences of people who are improving their lives by switching away from combustion .” Despite its recent launch , the site has already seen almost 14,000 responses , with vapers from across the globe coming together to praise the life-saving technology .
But the organisers are encouraging all vapers to share their own personal stories on the platform , no matter where they are in the world or how long ago they switched . Nancy said : “ We are adults and we have the right to make informed decisions for our health . “ We are the evidence that safer alternatives work and we are not going to be silenced . “ Now , please give us your personal stories .”
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