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water and air pollution are some of the negative environmental impacts, mostly
resulting from intensive consumerism and profit accumulation. Besides
environment, negative impacts are also apparent in communities with health
difficulties, inappropriate living situations and unfair working conditions.
One of the main causes is the production and consumption of short-term
products, without considering the environmental and social impact of each
production phase. The Module 6 is and introduction to the Life cycle thinking
(LCT), an approach to holistic decision-making in business, which is often
complementary or synonymous to the concept of eco-design. In general, LCT
means consideration of all elements and processes in the production, including:
• inputs: energy generation, raw materials extraction,
• processes: production, transportation, consumption of products,
• outputs: air and water emissions, waste generation, excessive heat.
Arguably most important factor when starting LCT in business is an
interdisciplinary team of knowledgeable and innovative experts, who can
produce a precises inventory of all elements, processes and critical points of
the production and later develop a comprehensive action plan. By doing so,
companies’ benefits can result in reduced expenses, recognizability and
reputation, quality of products and services, stimulating local and regional
development, better living and safer working conditions and developing
innovations. In short, LCT helps the decision makers to understand invisible
processes and impacts and plan for better, sustainable products and services.
AUTHORS:
Univerza v Mariboru, International Center for Ecoremediations:
• assist. Danijel Davidovič,
• ddr. Ana Vovk
The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an
endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot
be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
