Image Source – Life Cycle Analysis of a pair of Levi 501 Jeans.
Life Cycle Analysis (also called Life Cycle Assessment or Cradle to Grave Analysis) is a tool for Environmental Management that quantifies ecological impact. This process involves analyzing the inputs (raw materials, water, energy), use and outputs (solid, liquid and gaseous wastes) of a product from start to finish.
When we purchase an item, how often do we think of the components that it is made from and where they come from? Do we consider the fuel used to transport this item and the packaging used to protect it? What about how long it will last and if it can be reused or recycled? How will it eventually be disposed of?
Which product do you think would have the least environmental impact? A pair of brand-name runners imported from China or a pair of Italian leather dress shoes? Only by measuring the raw materials, transport distances, packaging, useful life and disposal of the shoes can we know which is the better purchase.
Annie Leonard has studied the life cycle of various products and created a remarkable animation, “The Story of Stuff”, which describes the process of extraction, manufacture, packaging, transport, retail, consumer use and disposal in a very engaging manner. She has also created several other videos including “The Story of Bottled Water”, “The Story of Cosmetics”, “The Story of Electronics” and more.
BlueScope Steel have also commissioned and extensive Life Cycle Analysis comparing rainwater tanks made from plastic, steel and concrete. They came to the conclusion that steel tanks are the most ecologically sustainable option.
