Cars are a very convenient mode of transportation, though they contribute to multiple forms of pollution, especially if they are operated improperly or are not adequately maintained. Older cars specifically are at risk of leaking fluids, being subjected to rust and other oxidation that then flakes off, as well as running inefficiently, leading to contamination of the air, water, and soil.
Cars produce ground-level ozone (also known as smog) while they run, either driving or idling. Not only does idling your engine for 30 seconds burn more fuel than restarting your car, but these emissions can aggravate asthma, allergies, and other cardiovascular and respiratory conditions! Ozone pollution made headlines this summer, with residents in places like Colorado told not to drive their cars or fill up with gas due to levels exceeding federal health guidelines.
And while it may not be common, we may also see ozone warnings this winter due to improper practices and urban myths. For example, many people use a remote starter to get their car nice and toasty before heading out on the road, but did you know this actually damages your car and leads to an excess production of ozone? Newer cars, especially those built after the 90’s, do not need to warm up!
Apart from air pollution, cars also contribute to nearly a third of microplastic pollution from car tires. The faster you drive, and the more often, the more the tires will wear down and shed particles. These particles then gather in the air, get collected with runoff, and/or contaminate bodies of water. In fact, tire particles contain hundreds of unknown chemicals and are a widespread source of contamination that is then absorbed by crops! In addition, tires are often tossed prematurely, leading to ever more production and waste.
And of course, electric vehicles have other issues, not the least of which are the items required to develop them. Lithium mining for batteries destroys habitats, generates more emissions than current fossil fuel infrastructure, and poisons groundwater. Mining also has lasting repercussions on the communities in which it is conducted, which are frequently indigenous communities, in neighborhoods of a lower socio-economic status, or near populations otherwise facing environmental injustice issues.
However, while cars and their tires are wreaking havoc on infrastructure and systems, the news isn’t all bad. Researchers have found ways to upcycle tires to create drinking water, with electricity a convenient byproduct! Other methods have been devised to look to other, more eco-friendly sources of rubber, such as dandelions. This has the added bonus of being used for phytoremediation when planted!
Through individual efforts and raising awareness about how cars can affect the environment, we can effect positive changes. Individuals can opt to take public transportation or dedicate a day of the week to alternative methods of travel, such as walking or biking. Carpooling is also a great solution to limiting travel in cars and can lead to coworkers bonding on the commute to work. Admittedly, a lot of cities are not yet safely walkable, but until more people start demanding a redesign of city planning, change will not occur, and dirty air, water, and soil will continue to permeate the earth. Please refer to the hyperlinked articles for further reference!
