Cradle-to-grave

Cradle-to-grave is the full Life Cycle Assessment from manufacture ('cradle') to use phase and disposal phase ('grave'). For example, trees produce paper, which is recycled into low-energy production cellulose (fiberised paper) insulation, then used as an energy-saving device in the ceiling of a home for 40 years, saving 2,000 times the fossil-fuel energy used in its production. After 40 years the cellulose fibers are replaced and the old fibres are disposed of, possibly incinerated. All inputs and outputs are considered for all the phases of the life cycle.

Bag made from recycled paper

Cradle-to-Cradle

Cradle-to-cradle is a specific kind of cradle-to-grave assessment, where the end-of-life disposal step for the product is a recycling process. From the recycling process originate new, identical products (e.g., glass bottles from collected glass bottles), or different products (e.g., glass wool insulation from collected glass bottles).

Glass wool made from glass bottles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_cycle_assessment

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2367863641_1d6b98df26.jpg?v=

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/hsc3264l.jp

http://www.scienceinthebox.com/en_UK/programs/pic/lca.gif

http://www.zerowastevancouver.org/images/cradle-to-cradle.gif