3.1. Environmental Impacts

• Resource extraction: Mining metals, felling wood, producing resins—all consume energy and can degrade ecosystems.

Resource extraction refers to the processes involved in obtaining raw materials from the Earth. This includes mining metals, cutting down trees for wood, and producing synthetic materials like resins. Each of these activities requires a significant amount of energy and can disrupt local ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction. For instance, mining can pollute waterways and harm wildlife, while logging can lead to deforestation.

Imagine a small pond in a forest that is home to many fish and plants. If a company starts to mine in that area, they will need to remove the topsoil and rock, which can lead to harmful runoff that pollutes the pond. This is similar to how our choices about materials can impact nature.

• Waste generation: Unused offcuts, fumes (from laser cutting), and non-recyclable composites pose disposal challenges.

Waste generation occurs when materials are used in production but not completely used up. For example, during manufacturing, leftover pieces (or offcuts) may be discarded, adding to waste. In processes like laser cutting, fumes are produced, which can contribute to air pollution. Additionally, some composites cannot be recycled easily, creating disposal issues. This emphasizes the need for more sustainable production methods that minimize waste.

Think about crafting a project in art class. If you cut paper to create a design, there will be leftover scraps. Instead of throwing them away, you could save them for another project. Similarly, industries need to find ways to reduce or repurpose their waste.

• Embodied energy: Some materials, like aluminum, require high initial processing energy but may offer longevity or recyclability.

Embodied energy refers to the total energy required to produce a material from extraction through processing all the way to production. For example, making aluminum requires a lot of energy, which might seem wasteful initially. However, aluminum is lightweight and can be recycled many times, potentially offering long-term benefits that balance its initial energy costs. Therefore, it’s important to consider not just the first energy expenditure, but the overall lifecycle of the material.

Imagine buying a high-efficiency kitchen appliance. At first, it might seem expensive and energy-intensive to produce, but over time, it saves you money on electricity bills. Similarly, investing in materials with higher embodied energy might be worth it if they last longer and can be reused.

• Activity: Have students calculate or estimate the environmental cost of producing one prototype using laser-cut plastic vs. 3D-printed PLA. Compare material use, waste, and recyclability.

This activity encourages students to explore the environmental impacts of different manufacturing processes. By calculating the energy and materials used in creating a prototype with laser-cut plastic versus 3D-printed PLA, they can analyze which method may be more sustainable. It will help them understand the significance of minimizing waste and maximizing recyclability in product design.

Comparing the two methods is like deciding between taking a car or a bike to school. The car uses more fuel (or environmental resources) for a single trip, while the bike might take longer but is better for the environment. Just like making that choice, students will learn which method is more environmentally friendly.

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