Reading Reflection 3: Cradle to Cradle

Chapter 1 of Cradle to Cradle was a general overview of the Industrial Revolution. Part of what stuck out to me was from the From Cradle to Grave section. It pointed McDonough pointed out that we are customers and not consumers because most of the things that we buy are only intended to last until the next version of that product becomes available. In Crude Products, the addition of substances to products such as antimony to a polyester cloth is viewed as unnecessary. The harm that could potentially arise from such items is weighed against the cost of manufacture and sale of foreign products. This is a risk; for example lead poisoning from Chinese produced toys for children. I remember this being a big concern a few years ago and I assume that it is still a concern of many parents.

Main points from chapter 2 are the four R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Regulate. Ecosystems are not able to naturally decompose chemicals; we have too little technology to simply reduce our emission of wastes.  To reuse a product is to simply move the problem elsewhere. Recycling is actually downcycling which appears to be good, but reduces the quality of the metal or plastic as well as negatively contaminating the biosphere as pointed out. Attempts to regulate are outdated to add to the trouble.

Chapter 3 goes into detail about the process and components of the book itself. This book was not made at the expense of a tree and the book is waterproof and the ink is nontoxic. This is an example of how we can do things that are eco efficient.

Chapter 4 explains metabolism in terms of the biological metabolism, or things that can be decomposed by microorganisms. Also, technical metabolism which is a product that can be reused again in other products.  Unmarketables are products that don’t fall into either category because they are hazardous.

Part of chapter 5 speaks to using local products. I personally believe that people want to be as cheap as possible, but they are exchanging quality for quantity.  Products made locally and foods grown locally do not suffer from industrial machines and chemicals and are flat out better even if they cost a bit more.  My personal opinion aside, the chapter also mentions wind farms to harness energy. I think that this is a growing area and I remember knowing about things like this back home in Cleveland where they could possibly build wind turbines off of Lake Erie. I believe that technology can and has been used to store natural energies and will in the future prevent an oil spill or two.

Chapter 6 just explains different ways of putting the suggestions of the book into action. Even if a person doesn’t believe in global warming, we can still do better at keeping our planet clean. Trial and error to find a system that works is much better that sticking with the old system that is broken.