The Tyre Trepidation: A Consumer Responsibility

Transport is a continuously growing area of the economy, and one that has large environmental impacts.

Now, you may think that this is an unimportant and - let’s face it – boring subject to blog about, however tyres have been identified as a neglected ‘source of pollution’. Yes, these rubber doughnuts pose a rather serious ‘ecological threat’ throughout their lifecycle (Constantinescu, 2012).

Tyres are considered “an environmental nightmare” when they reach disposal age, at ‘risk of catching fire or breaking down, leaching toxic chemicals and heavy metals into soil structures and water tables’ (Norsa, 2015). However, a tyre’s environmental impact varies throughout its transition from raw materials to waste.

Tyre Fire in Jamaican Landfill Site

First, I invite you to observe the pressing issue of tropical forest clearance for rubber plantations which has captivated the concern of many conservationists. Briggs (2015) outlines that the tyre industry ‘consumes 70% of all natural rubber grown’ and is largely to blame for drastic land-use switches, causing negative impacts on soil and water, the significant LOSS of tropical biodiversity and putting endangered species at a greater risk of extinction.

Forest Conversion for Rubber Plantation in Northern Laos

It is predicted that an additional 8.5 million hectares of rubber plantation will be required to meet growing rubber demands by 2024.

That’s practically the size of Austria.

Yes, a space the size of a country will need to be cleared and converted, a scary reality which I wholeheartedly disagree with.

However, aside from forest and biodiversity loss, the largest environmental effect of the tyre occurs when it’s in use.

Now, tell me if I’m wrong, but when thinking about the environmental impacts of cars, driving style isn’t typically what springs to mind. However, a ‘driver's driving style is the most important factor influencing the environmental impact of tyres’ and generates the ‘largest share of emissions’ (Constantinescu, 2012). 

Shocked? Me too.

Studies have concluded that ‘the most important part of tyre management and most effective means of reducing environmental impact’ is the responsible behaviour of drivers, the consumer, the national citizen, us (Constantinescu, 2012).

So how do we go about encouraging wider society to adopt what Constantinescu (2012) calls “economic driving”?

Well, as a society largely driven by wealth and consumption, it makes sense that economic incentives are deployed, right? Put simply by Treadfirst (2014): ‘Care for your car and it will save you money!”. 

Advertisement to promote car-sharing scheme

Simple tips which save you money and are easy to follow are publicly advertised, leaving consumers with no excuse:

•  Travel lighter – declutter your car to reduce weight and drag
• Open your window – spare use of air conditioning
• Reduce your speed – rapid acceleration and sharp breaking wastes fuel
• Make new friends – share your commute and slash your costs

However, it is inherently difficult to change behaviours and practices that are ingrained into societal daily routines.

The future fate of effective tyre management to relieve damage to the environment is ultimately left in the hands of wider society and their willingness to change their driving habits.

So tell me, will you?