Instructions

Analyzing the life cycle of a product is one of the best ways to understand the impact of our consumption on the environment. In this assignment, you will research the series of steps that it takes to deliver a common product to the public and consider how consumers’ choices and behavior can contribute to or diminish environmental sustainability.

Select one of the following products: car, new cell phone, plastic grocery bags, food of your choice, a new 3-bedroom home, an online purchase of your choice.

Research the life cycle of your selected product using the internet, textbook, or other resources.

Analyze the environmental impact of the purchase or usage of the product you selected by completing the matrix below. Answer each question in the matrix with a 1- to 2-sentence response. Be sure to provide references for the sources you use. A partial example has been provided for you.

Example

Name of Product/Process: Cup of Yogurt

Question

Answer

1. How   is the product/process obtained or created? What raw materials are required?

Every cup   of yogurt requires sugar, milk, bacteria, and water, but cow’s milk is the most   common ingredient. The states that supply the most dairy in the U.S. are   California (18.5%) and Wisconsin (14.2%).

2. How   is the product processed or implemented?

Many   different types of milk can be used, but typically, each half cup of yogurt   requires half a gallon of milk.

Petroleum   oil is used to make yogurt cups.

Sources: 

The California Dairy Press Room & Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.californiadairypressroom.com/Press_Kit/Dairy_Industry_Facts

Matrix

Name of   Product/Process: __________________________________________________

Question

Answer

1. How   is the product/process obtained or created? What raw materials are required?

2. How   is the product processed or implemented?

3. How   is the product delivered or transported to you?

4. How   is the product disposed of?

5.  What kind of waste is generated? How can it   be recycled?

6. List   any other observations or insights pertaining to the environmental impact of   the product.