ABSTRACT
An ideal system of industrial ecology follows the flow of energy and materials through several levels, uses wastes from one part of the industrial ecosystem as raw material for another part, and maximizes the efficiency of energy utilization. The major goal of industrial ecology, therefore, must be to minimize or eliminate detrimental effects of anthrospheric activities on other spheres of the environment. Industrial ecology systems should be designed to reduce or even totally eliminate air pollutant emissions. Usually waste and environmental degradation occur as the result of making, using, or disposing of a product or in providing a service. A basic understanding of industrial metabolism is essential to understanding industrial ecology. A system of industrial ecology is successful if it reduces demand for materials from virgin sources. The four major ways in which material consumption may be reduced are dematerialization; substitution; recycling; and extraction of useful materials from wastes.
