Are we Driving our Planet to Death?

• In 2019, approximately 76 million tons of pollution were discharged into the atmosphere in the United States.
• The rate of increase in pollution is at the highest it has ever been. And is already a major issue for the majority of the countries around the globe.

The harm we have done to our planet, over the years, is calling back to us now. With the drastic change of climate all around the globe, the backlash seems to have just begun. The effects of global warming can be felt globally, whereas, there isn’t a lot being done about it.

According to the data collected in 2017, more than 140 million Americans live in areas with dangerous pollution levels. The increase in the ozone levels across the country has lead to a drastic increase in the pollution levels. You’re poisoning yourself, you just don’t know about it.

Transportation, electricity production, industry, commercial and residential, agriculture and land use and forestry are the major sources of greenhouse gases in our country.

Our automobile industry holds the infamous record of being one of the leading polluters of the country. If you add up all the US global warming emissions of the transportation sector- which includes trucks, cars, planes, ships and trains-it accounts for up to nearly thirty percent, which is more than any other sector.

Smoke or Slaughter Fumes?

The smoke discharged from the exhaust of the vehicles contains life-threatening gases. Some of the gases discharged are carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, that can damage your lungs.

These harmful particles merge and cause smog and respiratory problems. They are a major reason for eye irritation, heart diseases, asthma and even birth defects.

Tires or Hazardous Hoops?

The rubber rings that are mostly known for the comfort they provide, is another agent of apocalypse. They had been designed to last for a long time. And manufacturers have done an excellent job, as they don’t even decompose when you want them to.

While a large number of disposed-tires are used to provide energy in cement factories, a large part of it makes it out unchecked as well.

In 2017, over 17% of the total amount of scrapped tires in the US made it to landfills. These might be useless, but still, contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals. This takes a long time to decompose, thus, taking a lot of space in landfills.

This can also lead the inner structure of the tire to become a breeding ground for pests. This can be a huge problem for, both, humans and animals if not checked at the earliest.

Burning isn’t the solution either. The chemicals discharged are definitely not going to be a boon for the atmosphere.

Some Steps for Car Recycling- Are they enough?

You might find some steps being taken to curb the pollution, but the beast has already been unleashed. It will take us quite a long time to repair the damage of hundreds of years but even a small step matters.

“Brick by brick we’ll build a wall, and conquer this beast once and for all.”

Atharv Bhardwaj

Below are some of our achievements we’ve been able to achieve in just a few years of recycling:

• Automobile Recycling is the 16th largest industry in the United States and is estimated to be a $25 billion annual revenue-generating industry.
• Automobile Recycling businesses employ more than 140,000 people at more than 9000 locations.
• The Automobile Recyclers are small businesses, 86 percent of which have less than 10 employees.
• Annually, industry collects and reuses and recycles approximately:
  • 8 million gallons of engine refrigerant
  • 5 million gallons of windshield washer fluid
  • 96% of lead-acid batteries
  • 24 million gallons of engine oil