lifecycle thinking

Lifecycle thinking is an approach that looks at a product’s entire journey, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use, and eventual disposal. It aims to understand and minimize environmental impacts, resource use, and waste throughout each stage. By considering the full lifecycle, businesses and consumers can make more sustainable choices—such as choosing products that are durable, repairable, or recyclable—ultimately reducing their ecological footprint. It promotes a balanced view, encouraging strategies that benefit both the environment and economic efficiency over a product’s full lifespan.