Cradle to Cradle: The concept of Sustainability

   Today, we live in a highly advanced world, not only on a scientific, but also on tech level. As a result, we have reached on uprecented high standard of living. Everything seems possible for us. However, we use our earth as a source for raw material, as if natural resources were infinitely available. We extract them, make product from them and dispose of them. This priciple is called CRADLE TO GRAVE.

   Unfortunately, products no longer needed end up in places that were never meant to garbage disposal - with fatal consequences for humans, animals, and environments. It is high time we realized that our planet can only take a limited amount of waste. If we keep on dumping precious resources in form of product on to landfills, many of our important raw materials will soon be depleted.

   More and more people becoming aware of this issue and are trying to counteract this development by:

1. Reducing raw material consumption

2. Producing less waste

3. Decreasing Carbon Dioxide Emissions

4. Setting a Long-Term Goal of zero emission

But, Is this goal actually achievable at all?

In fact, as living being, we will always produce emissions, because it is in our nature. So, Is there absolutely no solution?

Let's take a look at what nature does. For example, a cherry tree

   When its blooming in full beauty, it is not efficient regarding its nutrient consumption, and it's certainly not emission free. The tree produces oxygen that is essential for human and animal life. Its withered leaves are no waste at all on the contrary they provide important nutrients for other living beings. Nature show us: There is no waste - There are only nutrients. Thus, waste is simply a valuable resources in the wrong places. We should see nature as our role model and try to keep our material flow in cycles. This principle is called "CRADLE TO CRADLE".

   Doing so, we have to distinguish between a biological and technical cycle. The biological cycle includes everything that can wear out in the environment. These material have to be fully biodegradable without releasing any harmful substances. In contrast, the technical cycle contains everything that is not biodegradable and should be prevented from entering the environment. So, we have to be able to easily dismantle products into their components. Then, in turn, these components become raw materials for new product. These products are not only less harmful, but on the contrary, may contribute to human health and our environment in a positive way.

   With the Cradle to Cradle approach, we cannot only reduce our negative ecological footprint, but also extended our positive footprint. That means, already while designing a new product, we have to be aware of the fate of all of is component at the end of the product's life cycle. In the long term, we would then be able to live in harmony with nature again, without lowering our standard of living. The Cradle to Cradle concept offer us the opportunity to do so. Let's take it. :)