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The omnivorous diet of modern technology

Author

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  • Greenfield, Aaron
  • Graedel, T.E.

Abstract

Two centuries ago the diet of technology (the diversity of materials utilized) consisted largely of natural materials and a few metals. A century later, the diversity in the diet had expanded to perhaps a dozen materials in common use. In contrast, today's technology employs nearly every material in the periodic table, a behavior illustrated in this paper by the material evolution of electronics, medical technology, and the jet engine. Geological deposits in a given country or region tend to have only minimal to moderate elemental diversity, however. As a result, an extensive and diverse metal trade is required if modern technology is to be sustained. Some recent industry responses to elemental scarcity and implications for corporate and governmental policy are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Greenfield, Aaron & Graedel, T.E., 2013. "The omnivorous diet of modern technology," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 1-7.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:74:y:2013:i:c:p:1-7
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.02.010
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    Cited by:

    1. Elisa Alonso & David Pineault & Nedal T. Nassar, 2023. "Streamlined approach for assessing embedded consumption of lithium and cobalt in the United States," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(1), pages 33-42, February.
    2. Joris Baars & Mohammad Ali Rajaeifar & Oliver Heidrich, 2022. "Quo vadis MFA? Integrated material flow analysis to support material efficiency," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(4), pages 1487-1503, August.
    3. Vahidi, Ehsan & Navarro, Julio & Zhao, Fu, 2016. "An initial life cycle assessment of rare earth oxides production from ion-adsorption clays," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-11.
    4. Schulze, Rita & Buchert, Matthias, 2016. "Estimates of global REE recycling potentials from NdFeB magnet material," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 12-27.

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