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Sustainable living
Every time we buy a product, our attention is often focused only on its price, quality, or design. However, behind every item we use, there is a long story we rarely know, starting from raw materials taken from nature, the production process, its use, and finally becoming waste. This is where Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comes in as a method that helps us see the bigger picture, mapping out the impact of a product from beginning to end.
By understanding LCA, we can evaluate not only the economic value but also the environmental impact of the products we consume. This makes us more aware that every purchasing decision is a choice that affects our planet.
LCA, or Life Cycle Assessment, is a method to measure the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. This method illustrates the journey of a product, from the extraction of raw materials, production processes, use, to its final disposal or recycling.
Unlike regular environmental reports, LCA examines all stages, giving us a complete picture. This method helps identify critical points where the greatest impacts occur, so improvements can be made at the right stage. Today, LCA is widely used not only by scientists and governments but also by major brands that want to prove their commitment to sustainability.
Every product has a complex journey. In LCA, this journey is usually divided into four major stages.
The first stage is raw material extraction, where natural resources are taken to become components of the product. For example, making plastic bottles requires petroleum, while stainless steel bottles require metal ore mining. This stage is often one of the largest contributors to carbon footprints because mining and processing raw materials require large amounts of energy, generate greenhouse gas emissions, and potentially damage ecosystems.
The second stage is production and distribution. Production involves the use of energy, water, and chemicals. Distribution also contributes to impacts, especially when shipping is done across continents using high-emission transportation.
The third stage is usage. For electronic products, for example, the usage stage can contribute significantly because of energy consumption over many years. In contrast, for products like clothing, the impact at the usage stage comes more from washing and maintenance.
The last stage is disposal or recycling. At this point, the fate of the product is determined: whether it ends up in a landfill or is given a chance to “live” again through recycling. However, the challenge is that not all materials are easy to recycle, so many products eventually pile up in landfills. This concern has also encouraged the concept of a circular economy, where products are designed to be reused or recycled optimally, reducing waste and overall environmental impact[Ref].
For businesses, LCA is a strategic approach that can help reduce operational costs and comply with environmental regulations. By knowing the biggest impact points, companies can take steps to reduce them—for example, switching to renewable energy in factories or using more eco-friendly raw materials.
From the consumer side, LCA provides more transparent information. Consumers can compare products not only by price and quality but also by how much they impact the environment. This way, consumers can choose products that are more environmentally friendly and responsible.
In addition, this transparency builds trust between brands and customers. When a company openly shares its LCA results, it shows a real commitment to sustainability—not just a green marketing campaign.
In food production, energy is an important factor often overlooked. For instance, in canned pineapple production in Indonesia—from peeling to cooling—each stage uses large amounts of energy, whether to power machines or generate steam. This is what LCA calculates to assess its environmental footprint.
An LCA study at a factory in Sumatra found that this process resulted in an environmental impact of Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.0514 kg CO₂-eq/kg product, acidification potential of 0.000262 kg SO₂-eq/kg, and eutrophication potential of 0.000201 kg PO₄-eq/kg. One alternative improvement is the use of solar panels to supply energy, which can reduce GWP by up to 71.8%, while utilizing solid waste into juice concentrate can reduce environmental impact by nearly 99% [Ref].
As consumers, we also have an important role. We can start by choosing products that provide LCA information or environmental certifications. In addition, extending the lifespan of goods is also an effective step, such as repairing damaged items instead of immediately buying new ones.
We can also support brands that are transparent about their production processes. The more consumers choose brands with a strong commitment to sustainability, the greater the push for industry change.
Equally important, we need to get used to questioning the origin and end journey of the products we buy. Simple questions like “Where did this material come from?” or “Where will this item go after it’s no longer used?” can help us make wiser decisions.
Life Cycle Assessment is not just a technical analysis method but also serves as a bridge connecting consumers, businesses, and the environment in a shared awareness. By looking at the journey of a product from start to finish, we understand that every purchasing decision is our participation in either protecting or harming the planet.
In an era where environmental issues are increasingly urgent, understanding LCA means equipping ourselves with the knowledge to make better choices. Start with small steps: choose more responsible products, support transparent companies, and use goods wisely. Because ultimately, sustainability is a shared responsibility.
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