We are still deep into the COVID crisis at the moment as I am writing this post. On top of that, we are in a climate crisis.
Right, so what does that have to do with 3D printing?
I left that there is a misconception out there about what 3D print makers do - something that has to do with the environmental impact.
Are 3D printers really adding to the climate crisis?
I would argue that it's the opposite.
Misconception #1: household 3D printers create "plastic" wastes.
3D printing is saving the environment and reducing waste in a few ways. First of all, The most common household printing material, PLA (), is a biodegradable, starched based material that is much much more environmentally friendly than many of the plastics out there. It is slowly but surely creating a decentralized manufacturing community around the globe that has millions of enthusiastics making 3D printable household objects at home instead of buying plastic versions of those from a big box stores.
I don't deny that household 3d printing technology isn't stable enough yet. It still generates wasted materials from time to time. Also, yes, many failed prints and prototypes are created in the process of 3D printing and designing, but PLA is completely recyclable and biodegradable. The industry hasn't yet fully adopted the cradle-to-cradle approach, but lots of exciting new projects and ventures are happening to take this on seriously. For example, Agustin Flowalistik has a project called the Plastic Smothie https://flowalistik.com/plastic-smoothie/, he teaches the proper way to reuse PLA scraps with household appliances and a laser cutter.
Let's continue the conversation in a future post!
Comment below to let me know what misconception you have in mind!
prototypes and failed prints of my facemask inner bracket, made for an educator - Aug, 2020.
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