Does Cradle to Cradle neglect eco-efficiency?
In Cradle to Cradle’s perspective, increasing eco-efficiency and saving energy are not solutions to energy/resource depletion problems. Highly energy/resource efficient products may cause less impact on the environment, however it should be noted that eco-efficient products are usually considered from a limited, not comprehensive perspective.
Is Cradle to Cradle different from recycling?
The main focus of recycling has always been finding a creative use for it. For this reason, it is hard to control the quality and safety of products made from recycled materials. Cradle to Cradle redesigns products in order to take product materials back safely after their use period; it requires the selection of high quality and safe materials, taking water management, energy use, and social justice into consideration. Moreover, Cradle to Cradle encourages product manufacturers to adapt their product take-back systems to local conditions, which current recycling systems do not.
Does Cradle to Cradle support the action of “reusing” a container?
Cradle to Cradle encourages material upcycling and products/materials reutilization in safe environments. However, considering the case of a container, the ultimate goal is to design it as either a biological or technical nutrient so that its material can be continuously recycled.