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De-materialisation is a new world paradigm through
which conscious consumption (of products / services)
choices lead to reduced material and energy use
without compromising on the experience derived from
the consumption. It is the reduction or elimination
of the material component of services by focusing
not on the products but on the utility they deliver.
At a fundamental level it is the reduction of
materials and energy in any given process, without
reducing the experience, but in fact enhancing it.
De-materialisation is defined by United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) as "the reduction of
total material and energy throughput of any product
and service, and thus the limitation of its
environmental impact. This includes reduction of raw
materials at the production stage, of energy and
material inputs at the use stage, and of waste at
the disposal stage."
De-materialisation is closely linked with improving
products' efficiency and with saving, reusing or
recycling materials and products. It entails actions
at every stage of the production and consumption
chain, some of which are as below:
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resource
savings in material extraction |
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improved
eco-design of products |
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technological
innovations in the production process |
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environmentally conscious consumption patterns |
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recycling of
waste, etc. |
Simple ways of De-materialising
in our everyday life….
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What Are We Doing Now? |
Alternate, Conscious, De-materialised Choices |
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Books
– buying books |
Using
libraries, e-books, & book exchange
programmes |
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Music
– buying cassettes, CD’s |
Using
radios (including online radio
stations), Music libraries, downloading
music through the internet |
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Laundry – own washing machines & related
items |
Hire
professional laundry services & use
common laundrettes |
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Transport – drive & use own cars even
for single persons |
Adoption of car-pooling, Use mass
transport facilities. Car rentals &
re-engineered, eco-friendly cars (REVA) |
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Banking through papers & documents |
Banking online, use ATMs & credit /
debit cards instead of currency/ cheques |
The above
alternate, conscious, De-materialised choices are
indeed an indication of the need to make a shift
from a wealth and ownership model to a simpler,
resource-optimal and sustainable model.
De-materialisation is a subset of the general need
to move towards sustainable material use, a goal
which will require considerable research and
understanding. Initially however it requires us to
recognize the depth of our current ignorance. And
this is where SADI believes it can play a key role,
by disseminating information that will enable people
to make conscious choices. |
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