C3.2 Life-cycle analysis (HL only) Questionbank

Figure 1 shows a delivery truck being loaded with cardboard shipping boxes.

i.) Identify the life-cycle stage represented in Figure 1.

ii.) Outline two reasons why transport contributes significantly to a product's environmental footprint.

Figure 2 shows people throwing an old electric items into a household waste bin.

i.) Describe three environmental consequences of disposing of electronic products in general waste.

ii.) Compare landfill disposal with e-waste recycling for electronic appliances.

Figure 3 shows a bar chart comparing CO2 for plastic, glass, and aluminum packaging from raw material extraction to disposal. i.) Explain two ways designers could use the data in Figure 3 to make more sustainable decisions.

ii.) Evaluate the usefulness and limitations of life-cycle analysis when comparing different packaging materials.

Figure 1 shows a stack of raw aluminum sheets ready for industrial use.

i.) Identify the life-cycle stage shown in Figure 1.

ii.) Outline two environmental impacts of aluminum extraction.

Figure 2 shows a compostable paper-based food container next to a traditional plastic container.

i.) Describe three factors a designer would consider when selecting between paper and plastic containers in terms of environmental impact.

Compare the end-of-life (disposal) stage for paper and plastic containers.

Figure 3 shows a warehouse storing large quantities of packaged food containers before being shipped to retailers. i.) Explain how storage and warehousing affect the life-cycle environmental footprint of a product.

ii.) Evaluate how life-cycle analysis helps a designer choose between two packaging options based on sustainability.