Related Concepts: Sustainability, Resources, Lifecycle, Context, Solutions
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Embodied Energy in Resources * **Chunk Text:** Every gram of material contains embodied energyβthe total energy consumed from extraction to your hand. * **Detailed Explanation:** We often only think about the energy a product uses (like a lightbulb), but the energy used to mine, smelt, and transport the aluminium in a can is often much higher. * **Real-Life Example or Analogy:** Embodied energy is like the "hidden debt" of a product. You might only pay a dollar for a plastic bottle, but the planet "paid" in oil extraction and heat during manufacturing long before you saw it.
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Chapter Content
Every gram of material contains embodied energyβthe total energy consumed from extraction to your hand.
* Detailed Explanation: We often only think about the energy a product uses (like a lightbulb), but the energy used to mine, smelt, and transport the aluminium in a can is often much higher.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: Embodied energy is like the "hidden debt" of a product. You might only pay a dollar for a plastic bottle, but the planet "paid" in oil extraction and heat during manufacturing long before you saw it.
Detailed Explanation
We often only think about the energy a product uses (like a lightbulb), but the energy used to mine, smelt, and transport the aluminium in a can is often much higher.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: Embodied energy is like the "hidden debt" of a product. You might only pay a dollar for a plastic bottle, but the planet "paid" in oil extraction and heat during manufacturing long before you saw it.
Examples & Analogies
Embodied energy is like the "hidden debt" of a product. You might only pay a dollar for a plastic bottle, but the planet "paid" in oil extraction and heat during manufacturing long before you saw it.
Designing for Context * **Chunk Text:** A solution is only effective if it matches the local infrastructure and user culture. * **Detailed Explanation:** If you design a compostable cup for a city that doesn't have industrial composting facilities, that cup will end up in a landfill where it won't break down properly. * **Real-Life Example or Analogy:** It's like giving someone a high-tech electric car in a village with no electricity. The "solution" doesn't fit the **Context**. --
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Chapter Content
A solution is only effective if it matches the local infrastructure and user culture.
* Detailed Explanation: If you design a compostable cup for a city that doesn't have industrial composting facilities, that cup will end up in a landfill where it won't break down properly.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: It's like giving someone a high-tech electric car in a village with no electricity. The "solution" doesn't fit the Context.
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Detailed Explanation
If you design a compostable cup for a city that doesn't have industrial composting facilities, that cup will end up in a landfill where it won't break down properly.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: It's like giving someone a high-tech electric car in a village with no electricity. The "solution" doesn't fit the Context.
--
Examples & Analogies
It's like giving someone a high-tech electric car in a village with no electricity. The "solution" doesn't fit the Context.
Key Concepts
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Triple Bottom Line: Balancing Planet (Environmental), People (Social), and Profit (Economic).
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Linear vs. Circular: Moving from "Take-Make-Waste" to closed-loop systems.
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Standardized LCA: Using data to prove a design is actually better for the environment.
Examples & Applications
Material Substitution: Dell using mushroom-based packaging instead of Styrofoam.
Dematerialisation: Water bottle brands reducing the thickness of plastic (light-weighting).
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Memory Tools
See Real Life Cycle S**olutions.
Rhymes
"Cradle to grave is a path to the end; Cradle to cradle makes resources your friend."
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Contextual Fit
How well a solution matches local infrastructure and culture.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.