Sustainability is using the resources we need to live now, without risking what those in the future will need. We should produce and choose materials that are sustainable. By doing so, we can reduce damage to the environment and protect natural resources such as air, food and water.
Scientists are working hard to develop sustainable materials that can be produced without using up non-renewable resources and without harming our supply of natural resources. For example, the fibre Tencel is now being used more by clothing brands because it requires less water and less energy than other fabrics to produce. It is also biodegradable, which means it can be broken down by bacteria or other micro-organisms.
:Fig. 24.3 Biodegradable material
Product life cycle All products go through five stages during their lifetime. This is called the product life cycle. 1. Extraction of raw materials
2. Manufacturing 3. Packaging and distribution 4. Product use 5. End-of-life disposal
Extraction of raw materials
Manufacturing
Packaging End-of-life disposal and distribution
Product use
:Fig. 24.4 Product life cycle
Each stage of the product life cycle has a negative impact on the environment. We must continue to find more sustainable ways to make, use and dispose of products to protect the future of the planet.