Module 1: Industrial Ecology

Question 1

What is the goal of industrial ecology?

Answer 1

Move from linear system to cyclical (closed loop system) wherein waste from one industry becomes input to another’s process.

Question 2

Definition of industrialization, technology, and ecology?

Answer 2

industrialization - producing goods in mass
technology - application of science to improve quality of life
ecology - study of ecosystems and planet

Question 3

What is the linear industrial process?

Answer 3

resource extraction, production of goods, consumption, and waste disposal

Question 4

What is the circular industrial process?

Answer 4

use waste of other industries, produce goods, give waste to other industries

Question 5

IE Principles #1: Create industrial ecosystems

Answer 5

multiple industries use each other’s waste as input for their production process

Question 6

IE Principles #2: Balancing industrial inputs and outputs to natural levels

Answer 6

if an industry really needs to source raw material from the earth, do so respectfully to be considerate to nature’s capacity and recovery time. don’t abuse

Question 7

IE Principles #3: Dematerialization of industrial input and output

Answer 7

reduce how much raw material goes in and waste pollution goes out. “dematerialize” waste by turning it into another product that can be useful

Question 8

IE Principles #4: Improve the efficiency of industrial processes

Answer 8

improving the industrial process through the introduction of new technology

Question 9

IE Principles #5: Energy use

Answer 9

use of renewable energy to power production process

Question 10

IE Principles #6: Align policies with industrial ecology concept

Answer 10

use laws to incentivize corporations to protect the planet