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Comment by i_am_nomad | Hacker News Reader

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.

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Why? 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.

The former. Some studies have suggested that 3D printing is especially bad about emitting fine-particulate plastic.

If 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-reifenabri...

Thanks! 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).

You 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.

What filament do you use? PLA is common and is completely biodegradable.

Do the light activated resin based ones have the same (or maybe worse) problems with pollution as the other types?

I don’t know, though I would guess the resin ones are less problematic.

Selling 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.

How does selling the gear help if the buyer is going to use the gear?

It may mean one less 3D printer is sold if the buyer opts for a used one instead of new.

You need to join an Amish community to truly repent and disavow all plastic use.

Do the Amish not use plastic? Or is this just a snarky comment?

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