The Six Rs

Question 1

What is the term 6R’s used for?

Answer 1

The term ‘the 6 Rs’ can be applied to the design of new products or when a product is finished with, used up or no longer wanted

Whenever environmental impact is being reduced, ‘The 6 Rs’ can be called upon to ensure an in-depth analysis has been done. The 6 Rs can be considered by the designer, the manufacturer and the customer.

Question 2

What are the 6R’s?

Answer 2

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Rethink
• Refuse
• Repair

Question 3

What comes into consideration trying to REDUCE a product?

Answer 3

Can the amount of metal used be reduced? Can the metal be bought locally to reduce product miles?

Question 4

What comes into consideration trying to REUSE a product?

Answer 4

Can the metal be reused for another purpose once a product is finished with?

Question 5

What comes into consideration trying to RECYCLE a product?

Answer 5

Can the metal be disposed of correctly so that it can be recycled?

Question 6

What comes into consideration trying to RETHINK a product?

Answer 6

Can the way a product is made be redesigned so that less metal is used?

Question 7

What comes into consideration trying to REFUSE a product?

Answer 7

Refusing to use metal could be a consideration; could a material that is sustainable be used instead?

Question 8

What comes into consideration trying to REPAIR a product?

Answer 8

When a product is broken, can it be repaired rather than discarded?

Question 9

Why do we use the 6R’s on products?

Answer 9

These are all useful terms to explore reducing the impact of technology on people and the environment.