E-waste

Also known as electronic waste or high-tech trash, it is considered hazardous waste. E-waste contains harmful metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. When these elements are dumped into landfills they leach into our soil and water supply. The health effects of these toxins on humans include birth defects, and brain, heart, liver, kidney and skeletal system damage. They also significantly affect the nervous and reproductive systems of the... Read More

Industrial Metabolism

The total use of materials and energy throughout an entire industrial process, such as manufacturing. This includes the source, transportation, use, reuse, recycling, and disposal of all industrial nutrients (materials) as well as the energy needed at each step. Resources: Allenby, B. and Richards, D. (1994). Greening of Industrial Systems. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Retrieved March 12, 2011 from http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=2129&page=23 Marinova,... Read More