Resources and Reserves
Define "renewable resource" and give on example.
A resource that can be replenished over time, such as solar energy or wood (softwood like pine).
What is the "right to repair" movement?
A push to allow consumers to repair their own devices instead of being forced to buy new ones or rely on manufacturers.
What is embodied energy?
The total energy required to produce, use, and dispose of a product.
What is eco-design?
A design approach that minimizes environmental impact by considering a product's entire lifecycle.
What is clean technology?
Technology designed to minimize environmental harm and promote sustainability by reducing pollution and conserving resources.
What are non-renewable resources?
Resources that are consumed faster than they can be replenished, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
What are three waste mitigation strategies?
Reuse (e.g., glass jars), recycle (e.g., paper), and repair (e.g., fixing broken cell phone screens)
What are two ways to reduce energy use?
Lightweighting materials and selecting low-energy construction methods.
What is the difference between cradle-to-cradle and cradle-to-grave?
Cradle-to-cradle designs aim for materials to be reused indefinitely, while cradle-to-grave ends with disposal.
What are two drivers for clean technology adoption?
Social pressure (e.g., consumer demand for green products) and economic benefits (e.g., reduced costs or government incentives).
What is the Iraq-Kuwait conflict over oil reserves?
Iraq accused Kuwait of slant-drilling into Iraqi reserves, leading to the 1990 invasion of Kuwait.
What is the difference between a circular and a linear economy?
A circular economy reuses and recycles materials, while a linear economy creates waste after consumption.
What is the purpose of smart grids?
To monitor and manage energy production and consumption in real time, enabling efficient use and integration of renewable sources.
What are two tools for assessing environmental impact?
Life-cycle analysis (LCA) and environmental impact assessment matrices.
What is end-of-pipe technology?
A strategy to reduce pollution at the final stage of manufacturing, such as installing filters to limit emissions.
What is the difference between resources and reserves?
Resources include all potential materials, while reserves are economically viable to extract with existing technology.
What is re-engineering, and what is an example?
Re-engineering involves redesigning a product to improve performance or sustainability, like upgrading car engines to reduce emissions.
What is individual energy generation?
Producing energy locally, such as through solar panels, which reduces reliance on the grid and minimizes environmental impact.
How does LCA integrate into eco-design?
LCA analyzes a product’s impact from raw material extraction to disposal, helping designers identify sustainable improvements.
How does clean technology benefit the environment and businesses?
It reduces waste and pollution while improving efficiency, saving costs, and enhancing a company's public image.
What is decommissioning?
Decommissioning involves safely shutting down resource extraction sites, addressing environmental damage, and reusing or removing infrastructure.
What is e-waste, and how can it be mitigated?
E-waste includes discarded electronics; mitigation involves recycling valuable materials like gold and cobalt and reducing improper disposal.
How do LCAs help designers with energy efficiency?
LCAs identify energy-intensive stages in a product's lifecycle, helping designers make informed decisions to minimize energy use.
What is the role of renewable materials in eco-design?
Renewable materials reduce environmental impact, like using bamboo instead of plastic for toothbrushes.
What role does international legislation play?
Laws like emission standards or bans on harmful substances push companies to adopt clean technology globally.