Practice IB Design Technology (DT) Topic 8.2 Sustainable Consumption with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 8.2 Sustainable Consumption and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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Which of the following describes the concept of 'decoupling' as it relates to a country's transition toward a more sustainable economy?
A procurement officer at a construction firm shifts the company's purchasing strategy to favor suppliers with verified sustainable forestry certifications and leads internal training on the benefits of resource efficiency. Which consumer category is best exemplified by this individual?
Elon Musk, see Figure 1, is an entrepreneur, engineer, innovator and the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tesla. This company is attempting to design and manufacture products that promote sustainable consumption.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 is a lithium-ion battery pack that can be attached to the wall and provides electricity for household use. Electricity is generated by solar panels, see Figure 2, that are connected to the Powerwall 2. When there is no sunlight the electricity stored in the Powerwall 2 can be used to provide the electricity to run lighting or appliances.
The Powerwall 2 is a product that is entering the market and has the potential to ease the world’s transition into the use of sustainable energy.
Outline how the Powerwall 2 can support the concept of ethical consumerism.
List two methods of government intervention that could encourage the adoption of sustainable innovation such as the Powerwall 2.
Compare the consumer attitudes and behaviours towards the Powerwall 2 from the perspective of an eco-champion and that of an eco-phobe.
A consumer is evaluating the environmental claims of three different products based on their labeling. The categories of these labels are summarized in the table below:
| Product | Labeling Category | Basis of Environmental Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Product X | Type I | Awarded by an independent third party following a multi-criteria assessment. |
| Product Y | Type II | Developed by the manufacturer to highlight a specific environmental attribute. |
| Product Z | Type III | Based on a comprehensive independently verified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). |
Which product is using a label that is categorized as a self-declared environmental claim?
The Natural Brush, see Figure 1, is a toothbrush based on sustainable design. The handle is made from 100 % biodegradable bamboo and the bristles are made of Nylon 6 which the manufacturers claim is the most biodegradable nylon in the world.
Figure 1: The Natural Brush
[Photo by Sara Groblechner on Unsplash]
List two ways in which the Natural Brush is an example of sustainable design.
Outline how the Natural Brush can be seen as an example of ethical consumerism.
Outline one pricing consideration and how it would stimulate sales of the Natural Brush.
Explain how the Natural Brush balances material, health and usability considerations.