Using the Life Cycle Assessment at the End of a Semester

A Life Cycle Assessment is measuring a product’s energy use, materials used, consumer use, and disposal. Thinking of the products you buy shouldn’t begin with price. Start with where the product comes from and the raw materials used in its production – all of this has an impact on the environment. Not only the products you buy but disposing of the products you already have is also part of the assessment. As the semester ends, you can apply the life cycle assessment stages and make less of an impact on the environment by how you dispose of items.

• Use the secure shred bins provided for old tests or other paper that would need secure shredding
• Use the recycle bins for recyclable products such as paper and disposable water bottles
• Instead of throwing away office products you no long need, determine if others in your department could use them- items such as folders, pens, and binders

Life Cycle Assessment Stages

1. Extraction of Raw Materials
2. Manufacturing
3. Distribution
4. Consumer Use
5. Disposal

Did you miss any messages in the EPP project? View them on the CBA Green Team webpage. For more on the Life Cycle Assessment view December EPP message.