Chem321:Discussion 13

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The new screwdriver

Discussion - "How might you design a screwdriver differently, to make it affordable, functional AND sustainable?"

• Well, I'd start with using fresh oranges that are grown in season and locally. To avoid extra charges on the oranges, transport should be cut so that they're fairly local. Picking up a bag at a local farmers market would be best. The vodka... I'm not sure. Maybe if it was produced in the United States and not imported it would be cheaper, but it would have to go through a different processing technique to make it more sustainable. I hear they make organic vodka, which is also more sustainable. But, since I think we're supposed to be talking about the tool, to make a screwdriver more sustainable, I'd use compounds (formulated through green chemistry) that aren't as harmful as the plastics in the handle, that take less energy to produce, and aren't immortal. These compounds would replicate natural compounds found in nature, which would therefore be cheaper to produce, and would cost less in the market. The plastic handle could also be replaced with a natural substance, such as wood. I don't know how we could replace the metal- it must be a strong material that can handle putting screws into things, but also something that doesn't have a shelf life of 500 years. As stated in the homework, 'clean' processes in green chemistry are often more affordable than their 'dirty' counterparts, so the product would be cheaper if it was produced sustainably. HKopelson (talk) 16:07, 4 August 2012 (EDT)

• If I were to make a screwdriver more sustainable, one thing I would try to do is make it out of a compound that is easier to break down than steal, since steal if not broken down properly can pollute highly and harmful pollutants are emitted. I would keep the handle being made out of polypropylene, it is a cheap plastic that has no harmful emissions to the environment. A metal that a screwdriver could be made out of, that isn't as harmful to the environment is iron. If the metal portion of the screwdriver is made out of iron, it would be better for the environment but it would still be able to do what a screwdriver is suppose to use. Although, no metal or plastic is really "good" for the environment.. I do not thin that a screwdriver could do it's job without these products, I feel as though it would break too easily.