Cradle-to-cradle (C2C) design is an innovative approach towards sustainability in product design. It is a framework that aims to create products and systems that have a positive impact on both the environment and society throughout their entire lifecycle. The concept was introduced by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart in their book "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things."
Unlike the traditional "cradle-to-grave" linear model, where products are manufactured, used, and then disposed of in landfills, C2C design encourages a closed-loop system with continuous resource circulation. In this system, products are carefully designed to be safe, healthy, and fully recyclable without any loss in quality. They are divided into two main technical cycles:
1. Biological Cycle: Products that can safely return to the environment after use without causing any harm. These products are made from organic, biodegradable materials that can decompose or become nutrients for the ecosystem.
2. Technical Cycle: Products that are designed to be reused or recycled indefinitely without losing their value. They are made from materials that can be easily disassembled, separated, and reintegrated into new products or components.
C2C design also emphasizes factors such as renewable energy use, water conservation, and social responsibility in the production process. It aims to create a regenerative system that not only minimizes waste and pollution but also contributes positively to environmental and social well-being.
Overall, cradle-to-cradle design is a holistic and sustainable approach that challenges the traditional linear model, transforming it into a closed-loop system that continuously regenerates resources and actively contributes to a circular economy.
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