This course is a geologic and environmental treatment of the materials used in our global society. We discuss how these materials are obtained from Earth, what the sustainability impacts are, what types and amounts of energy are involved, what impacts on human health occur from using these materials, and how we might use more intensive recycling redesign to make them more environmentally friendly. We use case studies to underscore the importance of understanding where materials originate and how to select substances for use based on health impacts, sustainability, and other impacts. Topics include but are not limited to building materials, fashion and fibers, ceramics and glass, computers, film and video, minerals and mining, fossil fuel and renewable energy, planned obsolescence, innovations in zero waste products, economics of materials use, and mineral use in agriculture.
