10.2 Life cycle assessment and recycling

• What does Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluate?

  Environmental impact of a product
• Inventory analysis in LCA involves collecting data on inputs and outputs
• Life Cycle Assessment considers the environmental impacts of a product from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling.


  True
• The impact assessment stage of LCA evaluates the potential effects of climate change and water pollution.


  True
• LCA can help organizations meet environmental regulations and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.


  True
• What is the purpose of LCA results for decision-makers?

  Informed decision-making
• Arrange the key steps in conducting an LCA in the correct order.

  1️⃣ Goal and Scope Definition

  2️⃣ Inventory Analysis

  3️⃣ Impact Assessment

  4️⃣ Interpretation
• The interpretation stage of LCA identifies opportunities for improvement
• Inventory analysis in LCA collects data on inputs like materials and energy
• How does LCA promote environmental sustainability?

  Identifies stages for impact reduction
• What does chemical recycling use to break down materials like plastics?

  Chemical processes
• By understanding the complete environmental footprint, organizations can reduce their environmental burden
• Recycling is a key part of the circular economy and reduces environmental impact.


  True
• LCAs provide a comprehensive understanding of a product's environmental footprint.


  True
• LCAs can enhance a brand's image by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.


  True
• Recycling reduces emissions and energy consumption, promoting sustainable practices.


  True
• The main purpose of an LCA is to identify opportunities to reduce the environmental burden
• What is evaluated during the impact assessment stage of LCA?

  Environmental impacts
• What is the primary aim of conducting an LCA?

  Reduce environmental burdens
• Arrange the key stages of LCA in the correct order to highlight their contribution to sustainability.

  1️⃣ Goal and Scope Definition

  2️⃣ Inventory Analysis

  3️⃣ Impact Assessment

  4️⃣ Interpretation
• Mechanical recycling involves physically breaking down materials into new products
• LCA can help organizations meet environmental regulations.


  True
• What type of recycling uses microorganisms to break down organic materials?

  Biological recycling
• What is the final stage of an LCA called?

  Interpretation
• How does LCA improve decision-making in sustainability?

  Data-driven insights
• What valuable outputs are created through biological recycling?

  Compost and biofuels
• Order the key stages of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):

  1️⃣ Goal and Scope Definition

  2️⃣ Inventory Analysis

  3️⃣ Impact Assessment

  4️⃣ Interpretation
• The "Zero Waste to Landfill" initiative aims to divert all waste from landfills through recycling, composting, and waste reduction.


  True
• What type of data is collected during the inventory analysis stage of an LCA?

  Inputs and outputs
• How does recycling plastic bottles reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

  Reduces fossil fuel use
• What is one key benefit of using LCA in environmental sustainability?

  Reduce environmental impacts
• What is the primary benefit of mechanical recycling?

  Reduces waste
• How does recycling reduce the environmental burden identified in LCAs?

  Conserves natural resources
• Recycling has a substantial impact on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by reducing the environmental burden.


  True
• Recycling promotes sustainable practices and lowers the overall environmental footprint
• Match the recycling initiative with its benefit:

  Deposit Refund Programs ↔️ Increases recycling rates, lowers landfill waste

  Composting Programs ↔️ Reduces landfill waste, produces soil amendment

  Zero Waste to Landfill ↔️ Minimizes pollution, conserves resources
• Steps of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

  1️⃣ Goal and Scope Definition

  2️⃣ Inventory Analysis

  3️⃣ Impact Assessment

  4️⃣ Interpretation
• How does recycling reduce emissions and energy consumption in manufacturing?

  By minimizing raw material extraction
• What is the primary goal of deposit refund programs?

  Increase recycling rates
• What two environmental factors can recycling initiatives significantly reduce?

  Emissions and energy consumption