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Greater consideration is now given to ensuring that the materials and energy we use are sustainable. This includes where the resources come from and how they are disposed of at the end of their life.

Transport costs

Companies and manufacturers need to use transport to move goods and products, which can be one of the highest costs for a product, and also can cause lead to pollution. Transport costs impact on retail prices of goods and products, and designers might consider additional factors, such as how a change in material choice for packaging or smarter packing can impact cost. Modern vehicle design is also improving, with their shape and improved engines reducing fuel consumption.

Pollution

Pollution from the extraction of raw materials, transportation and manufacturing can all contribute to global warming. Examples of types of pollution include:

• noise pollution, eg from the use of heavy machines
• release of greenhouse gases
• water and soil contamination

Demand on natural resources

Finite resources are non-renewable and will eventually run out. Metals, plastics and fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) are all examples of finite resources. Finite resources are popular as they are easily accessible due to strong supply chains and often have benefits for manufacturing particular products or for energy supplies. Companies have become more careful in their use of finite resources, and they now consider the ecological footprint caused by using such materials.

Non-finite resources

Non-finite resources are found naturally and can be replaced. Examples include natural timber, cotton and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and tidal. Where trees are cut down for wood or hibiscus plants harvested for cotton, new ones can be planted in their place.

Waste generated

Manufacturers, designers and consumers should consider the waste generated when designing. To help with this, any or all of ‘the 6 Rs’ could be implemented:

• Repair - Can the product be fixed instead of throwing it away into landfill? Repairing a washing machine can cost a lot less than buying a new one.
• Reuse - Can the product be passed on or its life extended by using it repeatedly? Reusable carrier bags from the supermarket are a good example.
• Recycle - Can materials such as metal, plastic and glass be collected and converted? Plastic bottles can be shredded into pellets to make new plastic bottles.
• Rethink - Can the design be remade using a different material? Using a quick-growing, renewable material such as cotton or bamboo would be an alternative to a non-renewable plastic-based fabric such as polyester.
• Reduce - Are there products that last longer or can be recharged? Can the miles the product has to travel be cut? Or could rechargeable batteries or locally-sourced products be used?
• Refuse - Think twice before buying a product with wasteful packaging or a large carbon footprint.