PA Environment Digest Blog: DEP Accepting Applications For Growing Greener Plus, EPA Section 319 Watershed Restoration, Protection, Mine Reclamation Grants Starting April 22

A couple of months ago I wrote about the roadside pollution from electric cars – the particles from tyres and brakes. In the UK, non-tailpipe emissions are around 8% of air pollution, so it’s not a huge contributor to the problem. But due to the weight of their batteries, electric vehicles may produce more tyre particles than fossil fuel vehicles, and so it may be a more significant source of pollution in future. If we want electric cars to live up to the ‘zero emissions’ labels that many of them already boast, we’re going to need better tyres. Particles from tyres also enter watercourses and are a significant contributor to ocean pollution, giving us a second reason to pay attention to this more or less invisible environmental problem. Enso is a start-up that is developing tyres specifically for electric cars – the first to do so that I’m aware of, and potentially ahead of a rush in that direction. That means they will be designing for efficiency, in order to maximise range. They’re also working on durability, and a cleaner, lower carbon tyre.

The fashion label Stella McCartney sources its materials from sustainably-managed forests. Miyoko’s Creamery, the vegan cheese brand, launched a program to help struggling dairy farmers transition to plant-based alternatives. Elate Beauty, the ethically-made cosmetics company, has diverted more than 10,000 kgs of waste from landfills—so far.  In recent years, brands have stepped up and committed to more sustainable practices. In honor of Earth Day 2022, we wanted to take a closer look at what commercial photographers can do to help raise awareness about climate change and the protection of our environment, while also helping companies and consumers realize their goals.