Preface:

This course covered a wide range of topics around our environmental footprint. We first analyzed the global waste stream and common waste-management procedures, and then discussed solutions that must be implemented to diminish the environmental and climate impacts of daily life, agriculture, manufacturing, and the generation of electricity. Using specific examples from these four areas, we explored opportunities for lowering the consumption of resources (e.g., water, minerals, metals, trees), reducing carbon emissions, and for using waste as secondary raw material. These actions will help in achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.