Knowledge tools supporting the concept of industrial ecology

Industrial ecology, by emulating the ecology of nature, is production with zero waste. Whatever is left over as a result of any particular transforming action or process is consumed in some other activity. Zero industrial waste seems near impossible. But left over materials can be recycled or reused. Waste water can be purified; air discharges rendered harmless. Knowledge is coming to the fore to reduce waste and mitigate damaging effects. Life cycle analysis is a methodology to evaluate all environmental impacts including acquisition of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, product use and final disposition. Design for environment is a discipline to achieve improvement. Design for disassembly at the end of a product's life makes reclamation practical. An industrial ecology conceptual framework useful in generating additional needed knowledge is presented.