Which term describes making long-lasting, durable products, using less material in a product saves energy and materials?

Which term describes making long-lasting, durable products, using less material in a product saves energy and materials?

• A. Reduce
• B. Repair
• C. Reuse
• D. Rethink

Answer: (A)

Reducing resource use is the aim here. Designing to Reduce focuses on using less material and less energy in production, which lowers environmental impact while still delivering a durable, functional product. When a product is made with less material yet remains long-lasting, it saves energy and materials across its life cycle—from manufacturing to disposal. Repair is about fixing items so they continue to be used rather than replaced, which is valuable but doesn’t specifically address cutting material and energy use in new products. Reuse involves using existing items again, which reduces inputs but isn’t about the design approach that minimizes material in production. Rethink means reimagining how a product is designed or used, which is broader, whereas reducing material and energy use directly aligns with making durable products with less material.

Reducing resource use is the aim here. Designing to Reduce focuses on using less material and less energy in production, which lowers environmental impact while still delivering a durable, functional product. When a product is made with less material yet remains long-lasting, it saves energy and materials across its life cycle—from manufacturing to disposal.

Repair is about fixing items so they continue to be used rather than replaced, which is valuable but doesn’t specifically address cutting material and energy use in new products. Reuse involves using existing items again, which reduces inputs but isn’t about the design approach that minimizes material in production. Rethink means reimagining how a product is designed or used, which is broader, whereas reducing material and energy use directly aligns with making durable products with less material.