Ensure that the two products discussed are quite different so that repeat/ overlap of information is limited. Some modern products have been specifically designed/ modified to limit effect on the environment. Washing machines, light bulbs, motor vehicles, kettles, heating system, electronic products etc. Eco design, green design legislation etc.
Analysing Environmental Impact
You may need to analyse the environmental impact of a product e.g. plastic bottles, lightbulbs or cars, to start this when you plan your response you should start by considering the life cycle of the product and then consider the 4 main areas of the life cycle:
Raw Materials: What are the effects of excavation? What impact does their processing or conversion have? Are they a finite or re-newable resource? How much energy is used at each stage? e.g. metals require high heat to cast, generating heat uses a lot of fuel - usually fossil fuels how will this impact the environmental costs?
Manufacture: During manufacturing the product what happens to waste material? How much waste is there? Again, what energy is used in production? Do materials/end product need to be stored under certain conditions? How energy efficient is that process?
Use & Function: Is the product itself energy efficiency in use? How much energy does it consume?
Disposal: Which of the 6R's are relevant? Can it be disassembled and reused? Would it go to landfill?
Raw Materials: What are the effects of excavation? What impact does their processing or conversion have? Are they a finite or re-newable resource? How much energy is used at each stage? e.g. metals require high heat to cast, generating heat uses a lot of fuel - usually fossil fuels how will this impact the environmental costs?
Manufacture: During manufacturing the product what happens to waste material? How much waste is there? Again, what energy is used in production? Do materials/end product need to be stored under certain conditions? How energy efficient is that process?
Use & Function: Is the product itself energy efficiency in use? How much energy does it consume?
Disposal: Which of the 6R's are relevant? Can it be disassembled and reused? Would it go to landfill?
