In the book Cradle to Cradle they
state that in nature, there is no such thing as waste. Also that humans took
substances from the Earth’s crust and concentrated, altered, and synthesized
them into vast quantities of material that cannot safely by returned to soil.
Waste is synonymous to food, everything goes back to the earth as sustenance.
Many
experts still upheld the position that waste prevention was only possible in
manufacturing processes, but not in product utilization. I propose that we
adopt nature’s way of sustainability and zero waste in our industrial
production processes. So that the products and materials we produce can be
reutilized, recycled, or completely biodegraded to its organic components. Also
creating materials and products that have biological nutrients, which are organic materials that can
decompose into the natural environment, soil and water without affecting it in
a negative way, providing food for bacteria and microbiological life.
Cradle
to cradle is the way to change, “the way we make things” to mimic the seamless
process of sustainability in nature. Which can be done by incorporating
sustainability into every product. Engineers, architects, and designers will
have to provide for end-of-life product handling while the product is still in
the conceptualization stage.
Since
the start of the industrial revolution, we’ve been boxed into this appearance
of limited options. Cradle-to-cradle challenges this mirage of limited choices.
When sustainability is added in the very design of the product, the options
become limitless for us. This is an idea that seeks to create materials and
products that are not just efficient but essentially waste free.
Hey, Audrey;
ReplyDeleteYou clearly understand what C2C is all about. But, I think your blog is lacking some detail; specifically, an explanation of the metabolism that supports your idea. Also, your proposed concept is pretty light -- could you please explain this concept -- how to implement, who will implement, what is involved, etc.? Take this time to flesh out some ideas that have practical implications. This will help you when choosing a topic to expand on for your final project. Have a great weekend!
I love the idea of "material cycle," I think it is an affective way to better our environment and to move toward becoming waste free. But more than likely these products will eventually need to be disposed of. The manufacturers of these products and materials play the largest role. The conceptualization stage is where the problem/solution is. The beginning life, where the materials are made, how they are made, what they are made of. Many products are labeled "recyclable" but when broken down only parts of the product actually are. Like a water bottle for example, the bottle is recyclable but the cap is not. If we can stop the manufactures from creating materials that are harming our environment than we can have products that have an end life, an end life that can become nourishment for our soil. There are many different kinds of Energy Star rewards and requirements, I would like to see Recycle Rewards. Not only would their be rules but requirements and guidelines on manufacturing, but also for selling and disposing of materials and products.
DeleteAudrey, I think you did a good job using the examples from C2C, and I agree with your ideas. If we can use the waste cycle that C2C uses, we could get alot accomplished with our waste issues. But I agree with Dr. Armstrong. Just explain your idea with a few more details. But good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Morgan, I'll be sure to give more details in my next blog!
DeleteAudrey, you understood the topic well but I would have liked to read more about a design concept you came up with. The C2C chapter can help with alot of ideas. I know that you are an interior student so maybe the idea of the carpet that can snap on and off would offer some inspiration. Good job this week though!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice Lindsey, I'll keep that in mind!
DeleteHey Audrey, I agree with the other commentators. I think your idea is to create products with no waste, but there's little explanation of how you plan to do that. Good incorporation of materials.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brittney!
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