Summary

The “Materials” section begins with household recycling to help defer consumer waste from landfills. Industrial recycling, considering the discards of production as resources for something else, could be augmented by policies where companies are responsible for managing products post-use.

Cement is one of the most used materials in the world by mass, second only to water. Creating cement requires a kiln-high temperature to decarbonize limestone, producing up to six percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative cement works with volcanic ash or finely ground limestone to remove the high- heating process.

Redesigning refrigeration is the number one priority due to its ubiquitous use. Current refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbons, have a capacity to warm the atmosphere nearly 20,000 times greater that carbon dioxide. Reducing emissions requires new refrigerants and stringent disposal to avoid leaks.

The paper industry emits seven percent of global greenhouse gases...