Chapter 22 - The Six Rs

Who are the three main groups that can consider the 6 Rs to reduce negative environmental impact?

The designer, the manufacturer, and the consumer.

What is the primary goal of applying the Six R's of Sustainability?

To make more sustainable decisions by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimising environmental impact.

What is meant by the term refuse?

Choosing not to use materials, processes, or products that are environmentally harmful or unnecessary.

What is the main purpose of the 'Refuse' principle?

To eliminate environmental impact at the earliest stage by refusing unsustainable options.

According to the 'Refuse' principle, what kind of components should designers avoid using?

Single-use or disposable components.

Give an example of materials a designer might 'Refuse' to use based on sustainability principles.

Toxic materials or unsustainable resources like exotic hardwoods.

What is a consumer-focused action related to the 'Refuse' principle?

To refuse to upgrade electrical products if they are still working.

A consumer thinking twice before buying a product and avoiding wasteful packaging is an application of which 'R'?

Refuse.

What is meant by the term rethink?

Reconsidering how a product is designed, used, or manufactured to make it more sustainable.

What is the main purpose of the 'Rethink' principle?

To redesign or reconceptualise products to improve sustainability before they are made.

Designing products that use less material or have multifunctional designs is an example of which 'R'?

Rethink.

Considering alternative power sources, such as solar instead of batteries, is an application of which 'R'?

Rethink.

Using a quick-growing, renewable material like bamboo instead of a non-renewable plastic-based fabric like polyester is an example of which 'R'?

Rethink.

What is meant by the term reduce?

Minimising the amount of materials, energy, and waste used in the product’s life cycle.

What is the main purpose of the 'Reduce' principle?

To lower environmental impact by decreasing resource consumption.

Simplifying a product's form to use fewer components is a design technique associated with which 'R'?

Reduce.

Why is using lightweight materials a technique for the 'Reduce' principle?

It helps to reduce transport emissions.

Buying locally sourced products to cut down on product miles is an example of which 'R'?

Reduce.

A consumer choosing to use rechargeable batteries is an application of which 'R'?

Reduce.

What is meant by the term reuse?

Using a product or its components again, either for the same purpose or a new purpose.

What is the main purpose of the 'Reuse' principle?

To extend product lifespan and reduce the demand for new materials.

Designing products with reusable containers or encouraging refills are examples of which 'R'?

Reuse.

Passing on a product to someone else or using supermarket carrier bags repeatedly are examples of which 'R'?

Reuse.

Deposit-return schemes are a method to encourage which of the 6 Rs?

Reuse.

The practice of ___________ involves using a product's components for a new purpose at the end of its life.

repurposing

What is meant by the term repair?

Designing products that can be fixed easily when they stop working, rather than being discarded.

What is the main purpose of the 'Repair' principle?

To prevent waste and support a circular economy by keeping products in use for longer.

Using _______ components makes products easier to fix, aligning with the 'Repair' principle.

modular

What type of fastening is preferred over adhesives for products designed for 'Repair'?

Standard screws.

What three things must be available to the consumer to facilitate product repair?

Accessible internal parts, availability of spare parts, and clear user manuals for repairs.

What is meant by the term recycle?

Processing materials so they can be used again in new products.

What is the main purpose of the 'Recycle' principle?

To reduce waste going to landfill and lower demand for raw materials.

Which two materials can typically be recycled indefinitely without losing quality?

Metals and glass.

What happens to paper and card when they are recycled multiple times?

The fibres weaken.

Why must products be designed for easy disassembly to support recycling?

To allow for the separation and correct processing of different materials.

Using circuit boards set in resin to make a decorative product is a creative example of which 'R'?

Recycle.

The process of shredding plastic bottles into pellets to make new plastic bottles is an example of which 'R'?

Recycle.

What concept ranks sustainability actions from most to least effective?

The Hierarchy of Sustainability.

List the Six Rs in order from most to least sustainable according to the Hierarchy of Sustainability.

Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle.

In the Hierarchy of Sustainability, what is the fundamental goal of the top actions like 'Refuse' and 'Rethink'?

To prevent waste before it occurs.

What is the primary role of the middle actions ('Reduce', 'Reuse', 'Repair') in the Hierarchy of Sustainability?

To extend product life and slow consumption.

In the Hierarchy of Sustainability, what do the lower actions like 'Recycle' deal with?

They deal with waste once it has already been generated.

According to the Hierarchy of Sustainability, what is the least sustainable option for a product's end-of-life?

Disposal (e.g., in a landfill).