Aluminum

Impact of Aluminum:

1. Producing Aluminum has harsh impact on the ecosystems at the location of production, although the companies might try to reduce the impact - Alcoa Sustainability Report 2006/2007
   Page 6: Access to electric energy.
   >> New dams will be built only to supply the Aluminum production with electricity.
   Page 8: Local and regional impact.
   >> People will be resettled to other locations
   Page 11: Impact on environment, natural resources and biodiversity.
   >> Ancient forests will be destroyed forever, sensitive ecosystems change and might collapse.
   
   
2. Aluminum can be part of a sustainable lifestyle only IF we are using the possibility of recycling and give cans and the other aluminum products to recycling facilities.

Quote: Novelis Recycling

The endless recyclability of cans allows for material sustainability. Recycling cans is a simple way to reduce one’s carbon footprint and become an environmental role model, especially because recycled cans become cans over and over again without loss of strength or quality. The superior recycling benefits association with cans enable waste reduction, resource conservation and energy savings.

• Making beverage cans from recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy and produces 95% less GHG emissions rather than producing a can from new material.
• Aluminum makes cars lighter, saving gasoline, without compromising safety.
• Americans throw away $2 billion worth of energy every year by not recycling cans.
• Aluminum can help make homes more energy efficient and is part of the green building revolution.

The Economics of Aluminium, 9th edition 2009, published 15/05/2009:
Roskill Report highlights