Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Development
William asks…
what is the relationship between sustainable development and environmental awareness?
I’m not quite sure what is meant by sustainable development, or how I could link it with the other one.
I need it for a short speech I’ll be doing.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance 🙂
admin answers:
Sustainable development is the building of a community in a way that is environmentally friendly and uses renewable resources. Things to look for in sustainable development are:
-transportation: walking/biking/public transportation efficient
-energy: renewable energy source located close by
-city government: new bylaws encourage citizens to build individual homes in an environmentally friendly way
environmental awarness is needed for sustainability, but is more about individuals making green choices in their every day lives.
Helen asks…
How long is the working life of electronic products?
I am writing a paper about the working life of electronic products and the effect and meaning of longer working life on energy saving and sustainable development. Could you help me find some raw materials, data and examples? Thanks a lot!
examples i.e. mobilephone, music player, TV, etc.
admin answers:
You might look into articles and info on Planned Obsolescence which became prevalent back in the 20’s – 50’s as a means to expand production and increase sales by intentionally engineering products to fail within a set lifespan…a lifespan which could have been extended by using better materials or techniques and conserved raw materials. Some countries in Europe established regulations that household items had to last a set time in order to preserve scarce resources after WW II. PO also incorporated fashion as a way to get consumers interested in the latest designs which also increased sales demand. American designer Brooks Stevens popularized the idea of PO in the 50’s.
There are indeed some considerations when designing consumer products which should take into account that it’s also unnecessary to design products to last too long if new technology makes them obsolete and less efficient than newer models will be in the future.
Lifespans of electronics can vary according to design, engineering, available repair parts and use….the art of engineering is to design products using the minimum amount of materials for their targeted intended use and other concerns. There are steam engines which have lasted for decades in commercial use …the Panama Canal lock system has also lasted for decades with minor repairs. Some remotely operated electronic satellite or GPS navigational systems are designed to last for years or decades.
Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineered_obsolescence
http://www.truecycle.com/market02.html
http://www.federalelectronicschallenge.net/resources/docs/extend.pdf
A video on PO and how it relates to waste in raw materials/consumer products, lower lifespan of products including electronics ,etc..
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bxzU1HFC7Q
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