December 2009
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FacebookBy L. Sara Bysterveld
The holidays are a time of giving, to friends, family and those in
need. 
This year, don’t forget to give back to the earth by keeping cradle-to-grave impact in mind as you shop.
Cradle-to-grave refers to the impact of a product from the extraction of raw materials to its eventual disposal or recycling. Though a true cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment involves in-depth quantification of the environmental impacts at each stage of a product’s life cycle, as consumers we can attempt to estimate these impacts and buy with this in mind.
The stages of the life cycle of a product are extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. At each step there are social and environmental repercussions of the methods
and materials used.
At the point of extraction, the obvious issue is that of limited resources. The extraction of some resources has more of an impact than others. For instance, in the case of textiles, certain plants take far fewer chemical inputs to grow successfully than others, while other fabrics can be produced from recycled materials.
At the extraction level, we also see many social issues. Workers may be placed in dangerous situations, such as with logging, and practices like mining can destroy an ecosystem that used to support a population. This population may now be forced to move or may struggle to survive in their current location.
The production phase may produce harmful chemicals (dioxin is a deadly by-product of chemical bleaching) which end up in our air and water and also affect the health of the production workers. Vast amounts of energy go into making new products. And despite possibly being exposed to harmful chemicals or dangerous machines as part of their job, workers are often paid very little.
The distribution phase includes transporting goods, often over great distances, as well as the sale of goods at the store level. Transportation consumes fossil fuels, and the obvious choice is to buy products produced as locally as possible. In the store, social factors such as low wages, lack of employee health insurance and the higher-level actions of the corporation should all be considered. Knowing who owns the store, what they stand for, and how they treat their employees goes a long way toward lessening your impact on the earth while you shop.
Consumption is the most visible phase and the one where we, as consumers, have the most power to affect change. First and foremost, we can choose not to buy. Planned and perceived obsolescence drive much of consumption today, whether we are conscious of it or not.
Planned obsolescence is in play when something does not last as long as it easily could. This is most apparent in electronics. A computer, MP3 player or cell phone may only last a couple of years, and if it lasts longer, perceived obsolescence comes into play, causing us to covet newer, better models even when our current model still functions. Perceived obsolescence is largely driven by fashion and trends. If an item is out of fashion it affects a person’s image, and so they may choose to buy a replacement that fits the current trends.
The last stage, disposal, takes us to the landfill or recycling facility. While recycling is preferable to being dumped, the process still takes energy. Fewer products purchased means less waste will end up in the landfill or recycling plant.
This is where the concept of Cradle to Cradle(R) (C2C) design aims to improve on a traditional product life cycle. Instead of tracking a product to its disposal, Cradle to Cradle design plans for the “perpetual circulation of safe materials in closed loops.” Products are designed to biodegrade completely and safely or be broken down into their base materials and remade into new products.
“One thing consumers are looking for more is extended producer responsibility,” says Jay Bolus, vice president of technical operations at McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC), the organization that guides and implements Cradle to Cradle(R) Certification. “They’re asking questions of producers: ‘Is there a place for this product when I’m done with it?;’ ‘Do you have a system in place so that I can bring this back to you?’”
Bolus believes that by asking retailers and producers for Cradle to Cradle Certified(CM) products, consumers send a message down the supply chain, showing demand and thereby affecting change in the market.
Cradle to Cradle Certified products include many which make great gifts. Skin and hair care products from brands like Method, Aveda and Kiehl’s; office furniture; yarn and textiles; and towels are just a few products that are certified. Look for Cradle to Cradle certified products while you are shopping this holiday season, or simply shop mindfully, considering the environmental and social impact of anything you consider giving. Ultimately, you’ll be giving your family and friends a better world to live in.
TAKE ACTION:
- Watch The Story of Stuff for an in-depth look at the life cycle of products and how each stage affects us all. The website also includes resources for making a difference in the marketplace and in society in general.
- Check out local fairs and markets. Especially plentiful in November and December, a variety of markets offer the chance to buy local handicrafts and fairly traded goods. Check the REAP event calendar for listings.
- Shop for Cradle to Cradle Certified(CM) goods this holiday season and year-round. Visit www.c2ccertified.com for a full listing of certified products.
- Shop at REAP Member retailers like Babes in Arms, Claudia’s Choices, Community Natural Foods, Effective Health Solutions (newly merged with Barakat Ecostore), Green Calgary Eco-Store, greengate garden centre, Nikken Wellness Consultants, Noshpockets, OtterBottle, Riva’s The Eco Store, SwizzleSticks SalonSpa, and Verde Tea. REAP Members have been independently assessed to ensure that they follow sustainable practices and stock their shelves accordingly. Or give experiential gifts from Ananda Fundamental Wellness Resources, Conscious Home, Full Circle Parenting, Green Plan-It, or No Cleaner Maid Service. Services provide an excellent gift without waste.
- Give less and ask for less this season. Ask for the gift of time, either taking in an activity or volunteering together. Make it clear that you don’t want much “stuff.” If people are open to it, ask for used, re-gifted or homemade items.
- Consult The Better World Shopping Guide by Dr. Ellis Jones for detailed assessments of products and brands, from food and drinks to clothing and housewares and everything in between. See www.betterworldshopper.com for more information.
- Track your actions. When you buy local or fair trade; give a hug; give to charity; reduce or reuse this season, add up your actions to see what a difference you’re making!
