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I’ve been feeling more and more guilty about my 3D printing hobby lately; possibly this is the last straw, and it’s now time for me to sell off my gear.
by i_am_nomad 8y ago
I’ve been feeling more and more guilty about my 3D printing hobby lately; possibly this is the last straw, and it’s now time for me to sell off my gear.
- ravenstine 8y agoWhy? Is it because you think your hobby is putting microplastics into the environment, or because you're helping to fund the plastic industry? I'm not criticizing you, but just wondering.
- i_am_nomad 8y agoThe former. Some studies have suggested that 3D printing is especially bad about emitting fine-particulate plastic.
- Xylakant 8y agoIf you’re concerned about that, just drive less. A recent study in germany asserts that the biggest chunk of microplastik is from car tires, which alone is responsible for about 1kg/person /year. You’ll have to 3D print a lot of stuff to get even close. (Sorry, german only) https://www.mdr.de/wissen/mehr-mikroplastik-durch-reifenabrieb-als-durch-kosmetik-und-kleidung-100.html https://www.mdr.de/wissen/mehr-mikroplastik-durch-reifenabri...
- i_am_nomad 8y agoThanks! As it is I barely drive at all, and clearly I wasn't really basing my concerns on actual data (and not for the first time).
- kevin_thibedeau 8y agoYou need to join an Amish community to truly repent and disavow all plastic use.
- amanaplanacanal 8y agoDo the Amish not use plastic? Or is this just a snarky comment?
- jtms 8y agoDo the light activated resin based ones have the same (or maybe worse) problems with pollution as the other types?
- i_am_nomad 8y agoI don’t know, though I would guess the resin ones are less problematic.
- Chris_Chambers 8y agoHow does selling the gear help if the buyer is going to use the gear?
- SquareWheel 8y agoIt may mean one less 3D printer is sold if the buyer opts for a used one instead of new.
- samirm 8y agoSelling off your gear won't do anything. If you're really worried about it join or start a cause/campaign to reduce microplastics in the world.
- celestialcheese 8y agoYou could always recycle and reuse your creations with some DIY plastic recycling machines. the folks over at preciousplastic.com are doing some really cool things reusing plastic, including creating 3D printing filaments from recycled material.
- d6e 8y agoWhat filament do you use? PLA is common and is completely biodegradable.