Resource sustainability recycling

The GFR with related fuel cycle is aiming at the sustainable utilization of fuel resources by recycling, as well as multiple utilization and high thermal efficiency, and it may develop new-generation nuclear energy systems that serve as an efficient use of nuclear energy resource and... 

DOI, Recycled Metals in The United States, A Sustainable Resource, U.S. Department of the Interior,... 

UNEP (2009) Recycling - from e-waste to resources. UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, Sustainable Consumption and Production Branch. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)... 

Within the broad framework of sustainable development, we should strive to maximize resource efficiency through activities such as energy and nonrenewable resource conservation, risk minimization, pollution prevention, minimization of waste at all stages of a product life-cycle, and the development of products that are durable and can be re-used and recycled. Sustainable chemistry strives to accomplish these ends through the design, manufacture and use of efficient and effective, more environmentally benign chemical products and processes". 

Lens, P.N.L., Vallero, M., Gonzalez-Gil, G., Rebac, S., and Lettinga, G. Environmental protection in industry for sustainable development, Chapter 3 in Water recycling and resource recovery in industry Analysis, technologies and implementation, Edited by P.Lens et al., IWA publishing, 2002, ISBN 1 84339 005 1. 

Marechal, F., Favrat, D. and Jochem, E. (2005). Energy in the perspective of the sustainable development the 2000 Watt society challenge. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 44 (3), 245-262. 

Figure 13.4b emphasizes the finite nature and strong irreversibility of an economic system. The stock of energy and resources will eventually run out and so will the absorptive capacity of the environment for waste. An obvious extension of Figure 13.4b, therefore, is the one represented by Figure 13.4c. Just like in nature, waste has to be recycled. In nature, there is no real waste. Every form of waste is a resource for a living system. This living system is very small and called a microbe. Microbes make sure that all matter recycles in nature. Man needs to assume this humble but valuable and important role of microbes in the economic system and make sure that the material cycles get closed. Therefore, energy (or rather work) is required. But obviously this work should not be supplied from a nonrenewable source, like fossil fuels, but rather from a renewable source like the sun. Figure 13.4c therefore seems to be characteristic for a sustainable economic system and agrees remarkably with the definition of sustainability from biological systems A...

Minimize depletion of natural resources. [This principle resonates in many existing lists of principles. It reminds the engineer of the need to reduce and recycle the materials used in production and consumption systems. Conserve energy and improve the energy of internal operations and of the goods and services. Make every effort to use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources.]... 

A sustainable chemical industry is characterized by green chemical processes, where all of the above concerns are taken into account, or where there is a total recycling of intrinsically toxic or hazardous materials and substances, and an almost total recycling of other nonhazardous materials (e.g., water, plastic, or metals) that may constitute an environmental problem through resource depletion and pollution, as well as additional energy consumption. 

Design changes. Incorporation of environmental elements in the design of a product makes it more resource efficient and sustainable over the life cycle. Product redesign can involve extending the product s life span or enabling it to be completely recycled into a new product. 

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