Ch 2 - Sustainability and the Environment Flashcards
Finite resource
One that is limited in supply or cannot be remade as quickly as it is being consumed/used. Should be avoided
Non-finite resource
Abundant in supply. Unlikely to be fully used up. Can be grown and replaced at the same rate at which they are being used
Ways to measure the impact of resources use
- CO2 emmisions
- transportation method and product miles
- ethical and moral issues
(More examples on pg 7 of textbook)
Life cycle assessment
A way for companies to assess the environmental impact of a product during the different do stages of its life.
way to remember stages
‘EPDUE’ - every person doesn’t understand electromagnetics
- Extraction
- Production
- Distribution
- Use (inc. operation, maintenance, reuse)
- End of life
Extraction within LCA
The amount of energy used to extract or grow raw materials needs to be considered
Production in LCA
The energy required to manipulate the raw materials into a product needs to be considered
Distribution
The packaging and transportation to the user needs to be considered
Use in LCA
The energy that the product and any other related parts would consume throughout its life needs to be considered
End of life in LCA
The energy needed to recycle or dispose of it needs to be considered
What does the LCA show/what evaluation does it bring
Companies can decide on ways to neutralise the effects and trying to counteract them.
Positive effects of planned waste disposal in companies
- less raw material is required
- waste materials can be reused internally for other products/parts
- cost of materials is recouped with sale of recyclable waste
- waste can be used to genetrate energy/power
Consequences of a large population
Resources get used up @ very quick rate
Technologies that have a positive impact on the environment
Renewable energy
Repairable, Recyclable, Reusable products
Locally sourced and produced products
Technologies with a negative impact on environment
Planned obsolescence
Global shipping of materials/products
Non-finite resources
Fossil fuels
