plastics and resource conservation
Conserving resources means using less raw materials and energy throughout a product's life cycle from development through disposal or recycling. Plastics are derived from natural resources – typically oil and natural gas. And yet, in part because of plastics' unique characteristics – lightweight, durability, formability – they can conserve more resources during a product's life when compared to some other materials.
Learn more:
- Background on Plastics and Resource Conservation
Through effective resource conservation, we all can mitigate the impact of consumption on the planet by using the Earth's resources wisely. This includes making and choosing products that minimize the energy consumed and environmental impact during production, through the life of a product, and on to final disposal. - Resource Efficiency
Resource efficiency is a collection of activities and actions that, in combination or independently, lead to a reduction in the volume, weight and toxicity of materials used to make products and packaging that eventually may become municipal solid waste. - Use Less Stuff
Find out why we need to think about using less.
Resources and Links:
- Plastic Packaging and Resource Conservation: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover
- Reusing and Recycling Plastic Bags (Tips for Consumers)
- Plastics' Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings Using Housewrap
This study is an analysis of the energy savings and related reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the use of an exterior barrier to airflow applied to single family houses. - Plastics' Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings Using Refrigerator and Freezer Insulation
This document is a case study that examines the greenhouse gas emissions implications of using plastic foam insulation in refrigerators and freezers.
