ABSTRACT
For example, a washing machine provides the service of cleaned clothes to its owner and it uses electricity, water and detergents on a regular basis over a number of years to provide this service. However, in order to produce the washing machine, raw materials must be extracted, processed and manufactured. The machine is then delivered to the shop, and transported on to the consumer. The electricity, water and detergents used by the consumer all have their own upstream and downstream environmental impacts. And when the machine has reached the end of its service life, it becomes waste – to be disposed of, recycled or reused.
