The black shit covering the snow? That's from #cars. But importantly, it's not just exhaust soot - it's also pieces of tire (as they wear down). Eg, #microplastics that will end up in the ocean and in our drinking water.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/pollution-microplastic-waste-tires-b2794350.html
"In recent times, tire wear particles have been found to account for about 45% of all microplastics in both terrestrial and aquatic systems."
"Researchers in 2020 found that more than half of the coho salmon returning to streams in Washington state died before spawning, largely because of 6PPD-Q, a chemical stemming from 6PPD, which is added to tires to help keep them from degrading."
The most frustrating thing about all this? Cities don't clear sidewalks, so more cars
That article in particular focuses on filtering out tire wear particles AFTER they've entered the environment. Which is very much a band-aid, and it filters them AFTER we've breathed in the airborne particles.
We can stop them from ever being released by designing cities not for cars, but we need actual political leadership for that. Limiting/removing cars also comes with a ridiculous number of other benefits, too. Truly too many to count!
Fun fact: did you know that the fascism that's taking over our country is enabled by car-centric design? Our rural and exurban areas are deep red and full of Trump voters. That's because places designed around cars isolate us and make us suspicious and hateful of our neighbors. What happens when we propose more housing? "What about the traffic!" say the NIMBYs. Because newcomers, rather than bringing interesting food, culture, conversation, language, & art, bring more cars in unwalkable places.