Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool that helps us understand the complete story of a product—from its raw material extraction all the way to its disposal. Instead of only looking at one stage, LCA reveals the environmental footprint across the entire journey.

For Lykkers who want to live more sustainably, knowing how LCA works gives you the power to make smarter choices and appreciate the bigger picture of environmental responsibility.

Understanding What LCA Means

Before you can use LCA to guide decisions, it’s important to know what it actually covers. Think of it as putting on special glasses that let you see the unseen costs of what you buy and use.

The Stages of a Product’s Life

LCA considers four main stages:

Raw materials – extraction of natural resources, like metals, wood, or water.

Manufacturing – energy and processes needed to create the product.

Use – the resources consumed while using it, such as electricity or maintenance.

End of life – disposal, recycling, or reuse when the product is no longer useful.

By looking at all these phases together, you see the real “life story” of an item.

Why It Matters

Many products that seem eco-friendly at first can have hidden impacts in other stages. For example, a reusable bag saves waste during use but requires more energy to manufacture than a single-use one. LCA helps you compare these trade-offs and decide what’s truly better for the planet.

How It’s Used

Companies and governments use LCA to design greener products, set regulations, and reduce waste. As an individual, you can use the same mindset to choose products that last longer, consume less energy, or can be recycled responsibly.

Applying LCA in Daily Life

Once you grasp the basics, the fun begins—using LCA thinking in your everyday decisions. It’s not about perfection, but about awareness and making improvements where you can.

Look Beyond the Label

Marketing often highlights only one “green” feature. With an LCA perspective, you can ask deeper questions: How was this product made? What happens to it after use? By thinking this way, you avoid being misled by surface-level claims.

Choose Durability Over Convenience

A durable product may require more resources upfront but saves far more in the long run. Whether it’s electronics, clothing, or kitchenware, investing in quality often reduces overall environmental impact. Think of it as spreading the footprint across years instead of weeks.

Mind the Use Phase

Some products consume more energy or resources while being used than they do in production. For example, an appliance with higher efficiency might take more materials to build but saves energy every day. Choosing efficient models pays off in both environmental and personal savings.

Support Recycling and Reuse

The end-of-life stage is just as important as the beginning. Whenever possible, choose items that can be recycled or repurposed. Even better, find creative ways to reuse products instead of sending them to waste streams.

Life Cycle Assessment is about seeing the whole picture, not just the part you hold in your hands. By understanding raw materials, manufacturing, use, and disposal, you learn to make decisions that genuinely reduce environmental impact. For Lykkers, the takeaway is clear: every choice matters, and small shifts in perspective can add up to meaningful change. By thinking in full circles, you not only reduce your footprint but also inspire others to live more thoughtfully.