9. Water and Other Natural Resources

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In this chapter, we take a closer look at how the use of water and other natural resources impacts product design. Let’s start with the simple, undeniable fact that we’re running out of lots of natural resources—both renewable and nonrenewable. A nonrenewable natural resource is one that cannot be remade, regrown, or regenerated on a scale comparative to its consumption. Often, fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are considered nonrenewable resources, as they do not naturally re-form at a rate that makes the way we use them sustainable.

A renewable resource differs in that it may be used ...

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