12.1 (b) Circular Economy Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the definition of Circular Economy?
Making the best use of resources and minimising waste.
Who is defined as a consumer in business?
A person who uses a product and may also buy it.
What does ‘Design for disassembly’ mean?
Ensuring a product lasts long through parts that can be repaired or replaced easily.
What is the contrast between Circular Economy and Linear Economy?
Circular Economy focuses on reuse and recycling, while Linear Economy follows a take-make-dispose model.
What are the principles of designing for longevity?
Creating durable, high-quality products that last longer.
What does reuse and repair involve in the context of Circular Economy?
Encouraging maintenance and modular designs for easy part replacement.
What is remanufacturing?
Refurbishing and reusing components in new products.
What is meant by material efficiency?
Using sustainable, non-toxic, and biodegradable materials.
What does recycling and upcycling entail?
Designing products for easy disassembly and material recovery.
What is the goal of energy efficiency in manufacturing?
Reducing the environmental impact during manufacturing and use.
What are some disadvantages of implementing a Circular Economy?
- Lack of environmental awareness
- Costs associated with implementation
- Technical skills gaps
- Difficult to recycle waste
- Consumer acceptance issues
- Requirement for recycling infrastructure
What is the Product-as-a-Service model?
Companies lease products instead of selling them.
True or False: The Circular Economy encourages a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energies.
True.
What does ‘cradle to cradle’ approach emphasize?
Designing products and systems that are sustainable and regenerative.
What is the significance of using waste as a resource in Circular Economy?
It helps keep products and materials in use.
Fill in the blank: The Circular Economy aims to _______ economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.
decouple
What are some challenges faced by consumers regarding the Circular Economy?
- Need to support the system
- Potential to break the chain
- Acceptance of new business models
What role do governments and environmental pressure groups play in the Circular Economy?
They provide positive support for sustainable practices.
What does designing for a lifetime mean in the context of Circular Economy?
Creating products that can be used for an extended future.
What are some strategies for evaluating the Circular Economy?
- Design out/minimise waste
- Optimisation of systems
- Prioritisation of regenerative resources
What does the term ‘slow fashion’ refer to?
A classic approach to products that maintains appeal by focusing on sustainability.
What is required for the successful implementation of a Circular Economy?
Investment in recycling infrastructure and waste recovery systems.
What is a key component of circular design thinking?
Material selection, using biodegradable, recycled, or non-toxic materials.