Evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of reusing and recycling products.

✅ Environmental Impacts:

Positive:

• Reduces the need for extracting raw materials (less mining, quarrying).

• Cuts down landfill waste and pollution.

• Saves energy, especially compared to making new materials from scratch.

• Lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Negative:

• Recycling processes can still use energy and produce waste (especially if not done properly).

• Transporting recyclables adds to carbon emissions.

💰 Economic Impacts:

Positive:

• Cheaper in the long term than constantly sourcing raw materials.

• Creates jobs in recycling and reprocessing industries.

• Saves money for companies and councils (e.g. waste disposal costs).

Negative:

• Initial costs for setting up recycling systems can be high.

• Sorting and cleaning recyclables can be expensive and time-consuming.

👥 Social Impacts:

Positive:

• Promotes sustainability and responsibility in communities.

• Can improve public health by reducing waste in local environments.

• Increases awareness of environmental issues.

Negative:

• If poorly managed, recycled waste can be exported to other countries, causing harm elsewhere.

• People may be resistant to change or lack access to proper recycling facilities.