I can hardly believe I’m not joking. And there’s chatter that “we are addicted to sand” (like the oil mantra).

Permacomputing people can rejoice… our community will grow because of this.

  • FrowingFostek@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    4
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    8 months ago

    Not trying to shit on your parade as I too like sustainability but, can’t industries crush/pulverize rounded sand to create angular sand?

    I would sooner see corporations burn fuel to power machinery that creates angular sand. As opposed to switching mediums or stopping the unsustainable practices they engage in currently.

    • activistPnk@slrpnk.netOP
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      edit-2
      8 months ago

      I don’t know enough about semiconductors to know if the energy consumption of making sand from stones would be the most economical direction, or if waste glass could replace it. Either way this will drive up prices of new electronics and make old electronics more appealing.

      I don’t even get why sand is being mined from riverbeds. Aren’t there vast deserts with sand?

      (edit) Just got my answer on desert sand: it’s so round it’s useless for building. (though I don’t get why desert sand can’t be used for glass and semiconductors so angular sand can be reserved for building)

      (edit 2) Manufacturing sand is indeed being considered in situations where sand is strongly needed. But alternatives are being sought to avoid the cost of manufacturing sand, like shredded plastic and adobe blocks for building.

      • FrowingFostek@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        6
        ·
        8 months ago

        Fair point. It will disrupt/impede the industry and hopefully push consumers to reuse old tech.

        I’m certain corporations will find a way to exploit another resource to maintain profitability. Trying everything else before doing what’s right.