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Resource Lifecycle
The thing should be useful - if not, don't make it. Eradicate useless chintz.
Useful = Tangible benefit to people and planet.
The thing should encourage regeneration of people and planet. For example, a sensor system should help identify problems so that positive action can be taken to make things better.
Things should be replicable - so anyone can create them, anyone can repair or modify them, and anyone can improve them.
Wherever possible, use/create open source components. For any components that aren't open source, inexpensive (where feasible) COTS components should be easy to source.
The stuff required to make the thing.
Inputs. Reduce resource consumption wherever possible.
Goal should be to not use any resources (unattainable, but sets us in right direction).
Of the resources that are used, favour renewables - especially with energy and plastics.
Renewable = without humans having to do extra work to maintain stocks.
Anything that's not renewable should be replenishable - otherwise it runs out.
Replenish = humans have to do extra work to maintain stocks.
To damage. The thing should be built to last, where viable in relation to all the other R's.
In general, once produced, the component should last as long as possible to minimise the need for repairs or replacements.
Open source and well documented design enables and encourages repair.
Use widely available (or easily makeable, eg. 3D printing) components.
Parts of the thing, even to component level where possible, should be easy to replace. If part of the thing breaks beyond repair, that part should be replaceable without needing to replace the entire thing.
Prolong useful life of components; find ways to prevent them entering the output stage for as long as possible. Doing so helps with Reduce goal.
Components should be easily recoverable. For example, it should be possible to desolder an electronic component from the PCB.
The component continues to be used as intended, just in some other thing. For example, a LED can be put in to something else and still used as a LED.
- Extracting component from original thing should not damage it
- Component must be well documented or widely known about
- Suggest who might want the component (eg. makers)
- Suggest where or how the component could be used
Find alternate uses for a component, particularly if it can't be used for its original purpose. For example, a bald tire can be used in earthship construction.
Waste. The act of dumping stuff. Avoid, but always assess what the impact will be. For example, a remote sensor might be abandoned or forgotten about which effectively makes it refuse.
Components should be:
Biodegradable... to what? The term is dangerous - just because something decomposes doesn't mean that the decomposed matter is good for the environment.