topic 2 - eco design Flashcards
what’s a renewable resource?
a resource that can be replenished and never runs out.
what’s a non-renewable (or finite) resource?
a resource that will eventually run out.
difference between renewable and non-renewable:
renewable:
- don’t run out
- better for the environment - don’t release carbon emissions
- but are more expensive
e.g. hydroelectric, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass
non-renewable:
- limited and run out
- bad for environment - release carbon emissions
- cheaper
e.g. coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear
what are waste mitigation strategies?
it’s waste management which can help to eliminate materials directed to landfill.
what is re-engineer?
to redesign and improve/enhance the product
what is recondition?
rebuild the product so that it’s back to ‘new’.
what is dematerialisation?
reducing quantities of materials. e.g. making packaging lighter or the old mac book pro vs new
what is the LCA?
a technique to assess environmental impacts assossiated with the stages of the product’s life - cradle to grave or cradle to cradle.
what is clean technology?
products that reduce waste and require minimum amount of non-renewable energy.
local environmental problems:
- air pollution
- soil and water pollution
regional environmental problems:
- drought
- waste disposal
continental environmental problems:
- acidification
global environmental problems:
- ozone levels
- climate change
- sea levels rising
what is green design?
to improve an existing product and redesign it to address environmental objectives.
what is eco-design?
more comprehensive than green design because it focuses on materials, energy, and waste.
