Week 7 SI Flashcards
What is the significance of materials selection in sustainable design?
Choosing sustainable materials reduces environmental impact, resource depletion, and waste, and supports long-term sustainability.
Define “biodegradable materials” and give examples.
Biodegradable materials can break down naturally into non-toxic components, such as plant-based plastics, wood, and natural fibers like cotton.
What are bio-based materials, and how do they differ from biodegradable materials?
Bio-based materials are derived from renewable biological sources (like corn or bamboo), but not all are necessarily biodegradable.
Explain the concept of “recycled content” in materials
Recycled content refers to materials that incorporate recovered waste products, reducing the need for virgin resources and lowering environmental impact.
Why are metals like aluminum and steel considered sustainable if recycled?
Metals can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, significantly reducing energy consumption and raw material extraction.
Describe the environmental impact of virgin plastic vs. recycled plastic.
Virgin plastic production requires more fossil fuels and releases more emissions, while recycled plastic reduces these impacts by reusing existing materials.
What is “downcycling,” and why is it less desirable than recycling?
Downcycling turns materials into products of lower quality, eventually leading to disposal, whereas recycling aims to maintain material quality for reuse.
Define “closed-loop recycling” and provide an example.
Closed-loop recycling continuously reuses materials without degrading quality, like aluminum cans being recycled into new cans.
What is the role of “eco-materials” in sustainable design?
Eco-materials are sourced sustainably, have minimal environmental impact, and can be safely disposed of or recycled, supporting ecological balance.
How does the production of synthetic fibers like polyester impact sustainability?
Polyester production relies on fossil fuels, consumes high energy, and is slow to decompose, making it less sustainable than natural fibers.
Explain the term “material pooling” in the context of industrial sustainability.
Material pooling involves sharing resources across companies or industries, optimizing usage, reducing costs, and minimizing waste.
What are “nanomaterials,” and what sustainability concerns are associated with them?
Nanomaterials are materials engineered at the nanoscale; their environmental impact is not well understood, raising concerns about toxicity and waste.
Describe the benefits and challenges of using bioplastics.
Bioplastics are derived from renewable sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, but their disposal and decomposition vary, sometimes complicating waste management.
What is “greenwashing” in the context of materials and sustainability?
Greenwashing is the practice of falsely marketing a product as eco-friendly, misleading consumers about its true environmental impact.
Why is material transparency important for sustainable products?
Transparency provides accurate information on a material’s origin, composition, and impact, enabling informed choices for consumers and designers.
