Life cycle assessment and recycling

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a systematic method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life — from raw material extraction, through manufacturing and use, to disposal or recycling. In WJEC GCSE Combined Science, you'll learn how to analyse each stage of a product's life cycle, considering factors such as energy use, resource depletion, pollution, and waste generation. This topic is crucial because it helps us make informed choices about materials and processes, balancing economic needs with environmental sustainability.

Recycling is a key strategy within LCA to reduce environmental impact. By recovering materials from waste and reprocessing them into new products, we conserve natural resources, save energy, and reduce landfill. You'll study the recycling of common materials like metals, glass, paper, and plastics, and understand the challenges such as contamination and energy costs. This topic connects to broader themes in chemistry and sustainability, showing how scientific principles can be applied to real-world environmental issues.

Mastering LCA and recycling is essential for the WJEC exam, as questions often ask you to compare products or justify choices using LCA data. You'll need to interpret simple LCA diagrams, identify the most environmentally damaging stages, and suggest improvements. This knowledge also supports your understanding of the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' hierarchy and the role of science in achieving a circular economy.