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78% of Microplastic Pollution is Created by Tires (www.pew.org)

submitted 3 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Our report found that in 2016, four sources of microplastics alone accounted for 1.3 million metric tons (Mt)—or 11%—of total ocean plastic pollution. These were microbeads used in personal care products such as face scrubs and body washes; the breakdown of plastic fibers caused when synthetic textiles are washed; plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, that are used in the production of almost every plastic item; and the wear and tear of car tires, with this final source making up more than three quarters (78%) of microplastic pollution in the ocean.

For tires, improving design and reducing the number of miles driven, for example by increasing use of public transport instead of individual/private cars, can nearly halve microplastic pollution from tires by 2040.

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[-] [email protected] 43 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

edit: mis-read, 78% of microplastics in oceans

Our report found that in 2016, four sources of microplastics alone accounted for 1.3 million metric tons (Mt)—or 11%—of total ocean plastic pollution.

and the wear and tear of car tires, with this final source making up more than three quarters (78%) of microplastic pollution in the ocean

So they make up 78% of the 11% of plastic pollution in the oceans

they account for 28% of microplastics entering the environment globally.

https://theconversation.com/car-tyres-shed-a-quarter-of-all-microplastics-in-the-environment-urgent-action-is-needed-244132

[-] [email protected] 6 points 2 days ago

Important distinction! But still a huge amount coming from a single source.

this post was submitted on 29 May 2025

188 points (97.5% liked)

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