Chapter 13
It All Comes Down to Selecting the Right Materials
IN THIS CHAPTER
Identifying which materials are considered safe
Determining which materials are hazardous to humans and the planet
Exploring strategic sourcing, material ethics, and various certifications and standards
Sometimes, identifying and selecting the best materials for a circular economy is like looking for a needle in a haystack: It’s hard, but it's possible if you know what to look for and you understand the overall goals of the circular economy. But what if you don’t know the difference between a needle and a stack of hay? Without knowing what makes a material the right choice, it’s nearly impossible to pick one out.
The most common materials you’ll find circulating through the global economy are plastics, metals, glass, and wood-based and paper products. Each of these is popular because it has some sort of material benefit that serves a need well. In a perfect world, the advantages of these materials must outweigh the disadvantages for them to stay in circulation, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Many hazardous chemicals are part of the production process for materials that are still in circulation ...
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