Y11 - Sustainability Revision Quiz

What does the term 'sustainability' refer to in design?

• Using the cheapest materials available

• Creating products that last forever

• Meeting present needs without compromising future generations

• Using traditional manufacturing methods

Answer explanation

The term 'sustainability' in design means meeting present needs without compromising future generations. This approach ensures that resources are used responsibly, allowing for long-term ecological balance.

Which of the following is a renewable resource?

• Crude oil

• Coal

• Bamboo

• Natural gas

Answer explanation

Bamboo is a renewable resource because it can grow back quickly after being harvested, unlike crude oil, coal, and natural gas, which are fossil fuels that take millions of years to form.

Which material is biodegradable?

• Plastic

• Aluminium

• Cardboard

• Glass

Answer explanation

Cardboard is biodegradable, meaning it can decompose naturally over time. In contrast, plastic, aluminium, and glass do not break down easily in the environment, making cardboard the correct choice.

What is the main environmental issue with single-use plastics?

• They are too expensive to produce

• They can be reused

• They break down too quickly

• They persist in the environment and harm wildlife

Answer explanation

The main environmental issue with single-use plastics is that they persist in the environment for hundreds of years, leading to pollution and harming wildlife through ingestion and entanglement.

What is a 'carbon footprint'?

• A mark left by a shoe

• The number of products made from carbon

• The total greenhouse gases emitted by a product or person

• The cost of carbon materials

Answer explanation

A 'carbon footprint' refers to the total greenhouse gases emitted by a product or person, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. This concept helps assess environmental impact, making the correct choice the third option.

What is upcycling?

• Throwing away old products

• Recycling with added chemicals

• Converting waste into a product of higher quality or value

• Using a bicycle

Answer explanation

Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials into new products of higher quality or value, rather than simply discarding them or recycling them with chemicals. This creative reuse enhances the original item's worth.

Which of the following is NOT an ecological issue?

• Air pollution

• Deforestation

• Overfishing

• Improved recycling

Answer explanation

Improved recycling is a practice that helps reduce waste and conserve resources, rather than an ecological issue like air pollution, deforestation, or overfishing, which directly harm ecosystems.

Why is designing for disassembly important?

• It reduces product strength

• It allows easy separation for recycling

• It makes products look better

• It increases waste

Answer explanation

Designing for disassembly is important because it allows easy separation for recycling, making it simpler to recover materials and reduce waste. This promotes sustainability and efficient resource use.

What does 'life cycle assessment' evaluate?

• The fashion trend of a product

• The price of a product

• The environmental impact from production to disposal

• The working hours of a designer

Answer explanation

Life cycle assessment evaluates the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life, from production to disposal. This includes assessing resource use, emissions, and waste, making it crucial for sustainability.

Which energy source is considered non-renewable?

• Solar

• Wind

• Hydroelectric

• Coal

Answer explanation

Coal is considered a non-renewable energy source because it is formed from ancient organic matter and takes millions of years to form, making it finite. In contrast, solar, wind, and hydroelectric sources are renewable.