Choose A Product Or Material You Use In Your Life

Question

Choose A Product Or Material You Use In Your Own Life And Research Its Choose a product or material you use in your own life and research its lifecycle, from extraction through disposal. You may choose any commodity you wish, but you are encouraged to research either one that you use on a regular basis or one you have a personal connection with. You may need to do some research in your local community, such as where nearby landfill operations are and how these facilities manage their waste. Think about where materials come from and where they end up. Examples of commodities include cell phones, clothing, cars, microwaves, food products, and so on. In a 2-page paper, answer the following questions. Remember to cite your sources. What is the origin of the commodity? Where does the raw material come from and how it is extracted? Include pictures or video footage of what the process looks like, if possible. How do you use this product? Where do you purchase it? How often do you use it? What is your relationship to this commodity? How is this product generally portrayed in the media? How do you dispose of this commodity? Where does it go after it leaves your hands? Is there a local facility that it goes to, or a regional one? How is it treated at this facility? How could this product be used in a more sustainable way or developed into a more sustainable product?

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

Solar panels have become an integral part of the global shift towards renewable energy. As a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, solar energy plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. This paper explores the lifecycle of solar panels, focusing on their origin, usage, disposal, and potential for sustainable development. Origin and Extraction of Raw Materials Solar panels primarily consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells made from silicon, along with several other materials such as glass, aluminum, and rare metals like indium, gallium, and tellurium. The most common type of solar panel, monocrystalline silicon, begins its lifecycle in silica sand, which is mined primarily in countries like the United States, China, and Australia. The silica is refined and purified to produce polysilicon, the fundamental raw material for PV cells. The extraction process involves high-energy-consuming steps, including the reduction of silica into silicon through carbothermic reduction. The purified silicon is then crystallized into ingots and sliced into thin wafers that form the basis of PV cells. These wafers are often doped with other elements to enhance their electrical properties. Additionally, the manufacturing of PV panels requires materials like glass (for the protective covering), aluminum (for framing), and rare metals such as indium and tellurium, often sourced from countries like China and the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively. Images illustrating these processes include mining operations for silica sand, silicon refining plants, and the assembly lines where PV cells are manufactured and integrated into solar panels. Usage and Personal Relationship I use solar panels primarily for residential electricity generation. I had my solar system installed about three years ago, selecting a 5-kilowatt system, which is typical for a medium-sized household. The system is purchased from a local solar provider, and I utilize the

Choose A Product Or Material You Use In Your Life ✓ Solved

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Origin and Extraction of Raw Materials

Usage and Personal Relationship

Disposal and End-of-Life Considerations

Strategies for Increased Sustainability

Conclusion

References