Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

What is an example of industrial ecology in practice?

1. Recycling metals from old electronics

2. Using waste from one process as raw materials for another process

3. Implementing energy-saving practices in offices

4. Establishing green transportation options

The correct answer is: Using waste from one process as raw materials for another process

Using waste from one process as raw materials for another process exemplifies industrial ecology effectively. This concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of industrial systems and promotes sustainability by reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. In practice, this approach often involves finding innovative ways to transform byproducts from one industry into inputs for another, thereby minimizing the overall environmental impact. This practice not only reduces the need for new raw materials but also limits the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which is a core principle of industrial ecology. It encourages industries to work collaboratively, creating a circular economy where the output of one process becomes the input for another, leading to more sustainable production practices and improved resource management. Other options, while related to sustainability, do not fully capture the essence of industrial ecology. For instance, recycling metals from old electronics is a significant step towards waste management but doesn't necessarily reflect the direct integration of processes that define industrial ecology. Implementing energy-saving practices in offices and establishing green transportation options are important for environmental stewardship; however, they do not specifically illustrate the exchange of waste materials between industrial processes.