Resource depletion
What is resource depletion?
Resource depletion is the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished. Natural resources are commonly divided between renewable resources and non-renewable resources).
Types of depletion
- Aquifer depletion (Aquifier is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials like gravel, sand, or silt.)
- Deforestation
- Mining for fossil fuels and minerals
- Pollution or contamination of resources
- Slash-and-burn agricultural practices
- Soil erosion / degradation
- Excessive or unnecessary use of resources.
What should be improved to reduce or stop resource depletion?
We need to start using natural resources responsibly, so they can support both present and future generations. One of the areas to focus on is resource efficiency (use less, use better) in 3 areas:
- Material efficiency
- Energy efficiency
- Water efficiency
Material Efficiency
How can we use less virgin materials, in other words, how can we make sure we become fully circular in regards to discreet products/goods. Goods can be split into 4 types:
- Durables: have a life span of over three(?) years and are used repeatedly over time.
- Disposables:
- Consumables: Can be used only once, examples are food and detergents
- Packaging
Packaging
Packaging is a function fulfiller that is added to a product with the aim of allowing this product to bridge time and distance at the desired cost and environmental impact, whereby the packaging ensures that the end user can ultimately use the product in acceptable quality. (Source: Ten Klooster, 2008) Packaging fulfills the following functions for the packaged product:
- Packaging makes it possible to use the packaged product
- The packaging protects (preserves) the packaged product
- The packaging makes it possible to transport the product
- The packaging informs about the packed product.
