Tim McCormackOct 1, 2023

[EDIT: Ugh, this turns out to be wrong -- it's actually 78% of 11%. See page 89 of https://www.systemiq.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BreakingThePlasticWave_MainReport.pdf -- misleading representation. 8.5% ain't nothing, but it's nothing like a majority. Thanks to those who replied to correct this!]

The good news: The majority of ocean microplastics come from one source, which means we could dramatically reduce their occurrence by focusing on just one solution.

The bad news: It's car tires. https://www.thedrive.com/news/tire-dust-makes-up-the-majority-of-ocean-microplastics-study-finds

Show threadJosh Ourisman Oct 2, 2023
@timmc @acdha the worse news: EVs will make this problem worse, unless we develop a radically different material for tires.
Show threadrusOct 2, 2023

@joshourisman @timmc @acdha alternatively, EVs could be made with smaller (lighter) batteries and less power. Not every car needs to drive like a go cart and go 300 miles in a shot.

There are many ways to solve our transportation problem, but we need to engage with solutions that allow for more then direct replacement of typical cars.

Show threadJosh Ourisman 
@rusozoll @timmc @acdha yes, but they will still be heavier and torque-ier than an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Oct 2, 2023 at 12:48pmWeb
Show threadTim McCormackOct 2, 2023
@joshourisman @rusozoll @acdha In a strict comparison yes, although I don't think it's a reason to slow the transition to electric vehicles. I think there's much more benefit from reducing reliance on cars, and pushing for smaller vehicles when needed. (ICE cars have *also* been getting larger and heavier, needlessly!)
Show threadJosh Ourisman Oct 2, 2023

@timmc @rusozoll @acdha totally agreed. I have a Rivian R1T pre-order to replace my Chevy Colorado that I should finally be getting in March (for my use case I actually need the largest battery pack, which has slowed things down…).

We should be moving to EVs for people who need cars, and helping to reduce the number of people who do by investing in good public transit. The only reason I even bought the Colorado was to fill the gap when my last truck died until I can take delivery of the Rivian.