Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Plastic and Metallic Spoons

This report analyzes the environmental impact of plastic and metallic spoons through a life cycle analysis. It compares the manufacturing costs, durability, recyclability, and pollution levels of the two types of spoons. The analysis concludes that metallic spoons are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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Executive Summary
In Australia, the role of environmental conservation is the role of the state and federal policy
(Mudd, 2010). Part of the regulatory frameworks includes policy formulation and enforcement. It
is the responsibility of the regulatory body to come up with policies and practices that are aimed
at conserving the environment. This exercise might be changing at times, particularly due to the
ongoing industrialization trend witnessed in most countries. Manufacturing companies are
constantly coming up and this results in more emissions during the production process.
The United Nations has led the campaign on sustainable development among member states
(Griggs, et al., 2013). The global organization is encouraging its member states to align their
development plans with the outlined sustainable development goals. The concept behind this
campaign is to have projects whose implementation do not result in depletion of the available
resources. Depletion of (Heijungs, et al., 2010)resources would mean lack of such resource for
use by future generations.
One of the main ways of assessing the environmental impact of a product is by conducting its
life cycle analysis. This analysis helps not only to assess the environmental impact but can also
be used to investigate complaints from customers (Cabeza, et al., 2014). The analysis reveals the
various aspects of the product. The findings from this analysis are not only useful to the
manufacture, but also to the customers. Governments and other regulatory bodies are also
interested in the findings from a life cycle analysis.
For the products selected for this report, the life cycle analysis is conducted using GiBi
application. Two products are selected for this analysis and the results are compared. Based on

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the findings, the most affordable, environmentally friendly and favorable product is
recommended.
The life cycle analysis demonstrates that the manufacturing cost of metallic spoons are relatively
more expensive compared to the manufacturing costs of plastic spoons. However, metallic
spoons are more durable than the plastic spoons. Furthermore metallic spoons are easily
recyclable after use. On the other hand, manufacturing of plastic spoons is less expensive than
the manufacturing cost of metallic spoons. Moreover, plastics spoons are less durable and mostly
not recyclable. Therefore, excessive use of plastic spoons leads to greater pollution on the
environment. Furthermore, manufacturing process of plastic plates leads to the release of toxic
gases into the atmosphere. An example of the toxic gases is carbon dioxide.
The life cycle analysis revealed it is necessary to reduce the manufacturer and use of plastic
spoons. There should be a targeted campaign against the use of plastic spoons. The campaign
should sensitize the general public about the dangers and potential dangers of excessive use of
plastic spoons.
The life cycle analysis provided a proper basis for rating the two alternative products. Based on
the life cycle analysis, the best alternative is the metallic spoon. A metallic spoon is the best
alternative because it is more sustainable than the plastic spoon. The use of metallic spoon will
lead to less pollution of the environment and metallic materials can be recycled.
Introduction

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One of the most commonly used utensils is the spoon. They serve a number of purposes in both
the cooking and eating processes. This item is very tinny and relatively cheap. For this reason,
the majority of people often dispose of them quite often and buy new ones. Most of them are
either made of plastic, steel, metal, aluminum among others. These are materials that are non-
biodegradable.
Based on the fact that they are non-biodegradable, they might be a big threat to the environment
if not disposed of well. For instance, a research done on the components of the water surfaces in
Australia reveals that in several areas, there were fragments of plastic products on water surfaces
(Reisser, et al., 2013). These fragments were seen to have been larger particles initially before
they degraded to the smear particles. Evidently, this indicated here had been irresponsible
disposal of plastic materials in the past.
A life cycle analysis was conducted on both plastic and metallic spoons. The analysis was done
using the GiBi application. The results were recorded and compared. The impact of the two
products on the environment were analyzed. The best disposal strategies items were also
identified. Their cost of production and price at which they should be sold was also identified.
The other purposes that may be served by the life cycle analysis include investigation of
complaints by customers, cost approximation, investigation of how efficient a product is among
others. All these aspects of the analysis are important. Collectively, they can be used to
customize the product to meet the specific needs of the target market.

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Life Cycle Analysis Process
According to the International Organization for Standards (ISO), the four main steps involved
while conducting a life cycle analysis are as summarized below (Chen, et al., 2010);
Weight and Functional unit
Plastic Spoon Metallic Spoon
Weight 10-20 grams 22-28 grams
Functional unit 6 – 15 years 3-10 years
Cost AU $ 17.99 per 1000 count AU $3.69 - 4.19 for 50 pieces
Data source: (Amazon, n.d.), (DH Gate, n.d.)
GaBi Analysis (Impact Analysis)
 Goal
definition
 Scope
determin
ation
 Impact
Assessment:
environmental
effects.
 Interpretation
of results
 Life
Cycle
Inventory
: Inputs
and
outputs
Life Cycle Analysis

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Hot spot
The life cycle analysis demonstrates that the manufacturing cost of metallic spoons are relatively
more expensive compared to the manufacturing costs of plastic spoons. However, metallic
spoons are more durable than the plastic spoons. Furthermore metallic spoons are easily
recyclable after use. On the other hand, manufacturing of plastic spoons is less expensive than
the manufacturing cost of metallic spoons. Moreover, plastics spoons are less durable and mostly
not recyclable. Therefore, excessive use of plastic spoons leads to greater pollution on the
environment. Furthermore, manufacturing process of plastic plates leads to the release of toxic

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gases into the atmosphere. An example of the toxic gases is carbon dioxide. Excessive release of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere may cause global warming and climate change.
Remedial measures
There are a number of remedial measures that can be put in place in order to make the use of
spoons more sustainable. The best remedial measure would be to reduce the manufacturer and
use of plastic spoons. There should be a targeted campaign against the use of plastic spoons. The
campaign should sensitize the general public about the dangers and potential dangers of
excessive use of plastic spoons.
Best alternative
The best alternative is the metallic spoon. A metallic spoon is the best alternative because it is
more sustainable than the plastic spoon. The use of metallic spoon will lead to less pollution of
the environment and metallic materials can be recycled.
References

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Amazon, n.d. Customers who viewed Plastic Soup Spoons Medium Weight - White (1000 Count)
also viewed. [Online]
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Soup-Spoons-Medium-Weight/dp/B076M54TY4
[Accessed 12 June 2019].
Cabeza, L. F. et al., 2014. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle energy analysis (LCEA) of
buildings and the building sector: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
Volume 29, pp. 394-416.
Chen, C. et al., 2010. LCA allocation procedure used as an incitative method for waste recycling:
An application to mineral additions in concrete. October, 54(12), pp. 1231-1240.
DH Gate, n.d. Large Metal Spoon Australia. [Online]
Available at: https://au.dhgate.com/large-metal-spoon-australia.html
[Accessed 12 June 2019].
Griggs, D. et al., 2013. Sustainable development goals for people and planet. International
Journal of Science.
Heijungs, R., Huppes, G. & B.Guinée, J., 2010. Life cycle assessment and sustainability analysis
of products, materials, and technologies. Toward a scientific framework for sustainability life
cycle analysis. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 95(3), pp. 422-428.
Mudd, G. M., 2010. The Environmental sustainability of mining in Australia: key mega-trends
and looming constraints. Resources Policy, 35(2), pp. 98-115.
Reisser, J. et al., 2013. Marine Plastic Pollution in Waters around Australia: Characteristics,
Concentrations, and Pathways. pp. 7-13.

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Part 2: Energy Efficiency

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Executive Summary
Australia is a country that has faced adverse climate change and its effects. The sea levels, for
example, has risen in the past, indicating that the emission of harmful substances to the
atmosphere was affecting the environment to a great effect. In the past, the amount of carbon
emissions to the atmosphere has consistently risen, making the situation even worse (McLellan,
et al., 2011). These have been associated with an increased rate of urbanization in the country.
More companies are coming up and in the process of production, substances that may be harmful
to the atmosphere are released. If this a solution is not sought for this environmental threat, then
there is a high possibility that the weather would even be more unpredictable in future, making it
very unfavorable for some practices such as agriculture.
Most households own a television set in Australia (Harding-Smith, 2011). This is a device that is
popular for watching the news and other programs in the country. Other than the news, there are
numerous other programs designed for a certain group of people. For instance, a number of
cartoon sessions are normally aired on the television. The main target group for such programs is
the children within a certain age bracket. Other programs may also face adults, women and even
the youth.
Evidently, it can be concluded that a large portion of the population is using the television, main
it a major source of carbon emissions if not we managed. This paper seeks to review the
efficiency of this device and the threats it possesses to the environment. To have a better
understanding of this concept, a life cycle analysis is conducted. Through the analysis, the effect
of the use of television sets in households is analyzed and a report is presented on the same.

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Problem Statement
As discussed in the executive summary section, one of the main challenges at the moment not
only to Australia but also to the word is climate change. There has been a consistent rise in the
rate at which industrialization is growing in the majority of the countries. This is mainly
attributed to progressive advancement in technology. As this is a good trend, it brings with it a
very disastrous effect, increased carbon emissions to the atmosphere.
In many countries, it has become impossible to do agriculture and rely on natural weather
patterns. This is because weather patterns have been very inconsistent and very unpredictable.
Most of this is caused by this kind of emissions of harmful substances to the environment. For
instance, in Australia, Western Australia has had a very high concentration of such substances
according to research (Biswas, 2014).
The cost of energy has also been rising consistently. The cost of production for any firm largely
relies on the cost of energy as one of the main components. When the cost of energy is too high,
the result is an increased cost of production, which then leads to high prices for goods and
services. These are some of the reasons why this analysis is important. It helps asses these
elements for the product under consideration. The results obtained are used to make the product
more efficient, user friend and environmental friendly.
Below is a summary of some of the main features of the television.
Television
Cost From $ 500 and above
Efficiency Efficient
Functional unit 10 years

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Carbon emission 0.088 kg CO2e/viewer-hour
Screen sizes 8-70 inches
Data Source: (Harvey Norman, n.d.), (Chandaria, et al., 2011)
State Selection
Victoria
Energy Regulatory Bodies in Victoria
Television is designed in such a way that it has certain buttons to switch it on or off. This can
also be done using a remote. There also exists buttons to regulate the volume of the television as
its word. This helps to ensure that at any given point, only the recommended sound levels are
maintained by the users.
However, the overall body mandated to regulate energy consumption and supply in Australia is
the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
Opportunities to reduce energy consumption
Alternative forms of energy could be used. One of the most commonly used sources of power is
solar energy. Solar panels are fitted on rooftops and they convert solar energy to electric energy
and then this is used to charge electronic devices and to watch the television (Soar, 2013). Since
this is a natural resource, less is invested in acquiring it.
The other avenues for getting news updates, for example, is social media. Through this platform,
all the news happening across the world could be obtained.

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References
Biswas, W., 2014. Carbon footprint and embodied energy consumption assessment of building
construction works in Western Australia. International Journal of Sustainable Built
Environment, December , 3(2), pp. 179-186.
Chandaria, J., Hunter, J. & Adrian Williams, 2011. The carbon footprint of watching television,
comparing digital terrestrial television with video-on-demand. Volume 1, pp. 1-6.
Harding-Smith, R., 2011. Media Ownership and Regulation in Australia. CENTRE FOR
POLICY DEVELOPMENT ISSUE BRIEF:.
Harvey Norman, n.d. Products: TVs. [Online]
Available at: https://www.harveynorman.com.au/tv-blu-ray-home-theatre/tvs/tvs
[Accessed 12 June 2019].
McLellan, B. C. et al., 2011. Costs and carbon emissions for geopolymer pastes in comparison to
ordinary portland cement. Journal of Cleaner Production, Issue 9–10, pp. 1080-1090.
Soar, R. J., 2013. Inductive transmission of power and data through ceramic armor panels, s.l.:
s.n.