045 | REALISING SUSTAINABILITY: RAW MATERIALS
       
    possible options in the raw material sector    
         
There are many potential measures for reducing the input of primary resources. The demand for materials (whether primary or not) can be generally reduced in several ways:    
Increasing efficiency, such that the services derived are achieved using less materials, for example by increasing the lifespan of products.    
Re-orienting producers towards the direct delivery of the services that are provided by their products. For instance, if television sets are rented instead of sold, the producers would have a greater interest in the increased durability and recyclability of the hardware.    
Encouraging consumers to ask themselves whether they really need certain products. In many cases less consumption of products and even services may be sufficient.    
Improving recycling and reuse of all products.    
Raising the prices of primary resources for industry or the costs of consumption of primary based products (by charges, taxes, cuts in existing subsidies, etc.).    
Linking the use of non-renewable materials to investment in new and sustainable ways of meeting the same human needs. One option would be to create an 'ecotax' fund from revenues of taxes on each unit of non-renewable resources. Such a fund could support the development of substitute materials or processes delivering a similar amount and/or quality of service.    
         
    sector specific measures and strategies    
         
    Energy | more about energy    
    Non-renewable resources | more about raw materials    
    More about land use    
    Wood | more about wood    
    Water | more about water    

 

     

    more    
         
    Metal Briefing by Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland    
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