Life Cycle Assessment Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to life cycle assessments, focusing on definitions, processes, comparisons between materials, and potential issues.

What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

A systematic approach to evaluating the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle.

What are the four main stages of a life cycle assessment?

1. Extraction and processing of raw materials 2. Manufacturing, packaging, and transportation 3. Use of the product 4. Disposal of the product.

What raw materials are commonly evaluated in life cycle assessments of modern products?

Plastics derived from crude oil and metals such as copper.

How does the production of plastics impact energy use and emissions?

It involves extracting and processing crude oil, which consumes energy and can produce greenhouse gases.

What is the environmental impact of extracting metals?

It consumes energy and can generate large amounts of toxic waste.

What is a key environmental issue when using plastic shopping bags?

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable, leading to long-term litter and landfill accumulation.

How does the life cycle assessment of paper shopping bags differ from that of plastic bags?

Paper bags are made from renewable resources (trees) but require significant water and energy, whereas plastic bags are non-renewable and non-biodegradable.

What are some problems associated with life cycle assessments?

Challenges in measuring the full environmental impact and the potential for bias in assessments favoring advertisers.

Why is it difficult to measure the environmental impact of waste products from manufacturing?

Because it's often unclear how damaging these waste products are to the environment.

What happens to plastic shopping bags at the end of their life?

They remain in the environment for a long time, contributing to litter and landfill issues.