Tik Tangram – (TKT0524-001) PS_W

1. Materials Used

• Sustainable Materials: Tik Tangram utilizes materials such as recycled or sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, or other renewable resources. For example, using bamboo, which is highly renewable and grows rapidly, reduces the strain on more traditional timber resources. Bamboo also sequesters carbon dioxide as it grows, contributing to lower overall carbon emissions. Scientific Explanation: Bamboo’s rapid growth and high carbon sequestration rate make it a more sustainable choice compared to slower-growing hardwoods. Studies have shown that bamboo can absorb up to 35% more carbon dioxide than trees over a given period (Chen et al., 2021).
• Non-Toxic Paints: The game likely uses non-toxic, water-based paints or finishes, which are less harmful to the environment compared to solvent-based paints. This reduces the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Scientific Explanation: Water-based paints have lower levels of VOCs, which reduces air pollution and the potential for harmful health effects (EPA, 2022).

2. Manufacturing Process

• Energy Efficiency: The production process for eco-friendly games often emphasizes energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This minimizes the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing. Scientific Explanation: Renewable energy sources significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that renewable energy can cut CO2 emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional energy sources (IRENA, 2023).
• Waste Reduction: Eco-friendly games are produced with a focus on minimizing waste, using techniques such as precision cutting to reduce off-cuts and recycling production waste. Scientific Explanation: Efficient production techniques and recycling reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, decreasing methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas—associated with waste decomposition (EPA, 2021).

3. Durability and Longevity

• Durability: The design and materials used ensure the game is durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Longer-lasting products contribute to a lower overall carbon footprint by reducing the frequency of manufacturing and disposal. Scientific Explanation: Products that last longer help mitigate the environmental impact associated with the production, transportation, and disposal phases of the product life cycle (Nielsen et al., 2022).

4. End-of-Life Considerations

• Recyclability: At the end of its life cycle, the game is designed to be recyclable or biodegradable. This reduces landfill waste and allows materials to be repurposed, further decreasing the carbon footprint. Scientific Explanation: Products designed for recycling or biodegradation help close the loop on resource use and minimize environmental impact (Kukulies et al., 2021).

Steps to Calculate the Carbon Footprint

1. Gather Data: Collect information on the following:
   • Materials: Types and quantities of materials used (e.g., recycled wood, bamboo).
   • Manufacturing: Energy sources and consumption during production.
   • Transportation: Distances and modes of transport from manufacturing to distribution.
   • End-of-Life: Disposal methods or recycling rates.
2. Calculate Carbon Emissions for Materials:
   • Material Carbon Intensity: Determine the carbon intensity for each material. For example, bamboo has an approximate carbon intensity of 0.5 kg CO2e per kg (based on studies like that by Chen et al., 2021).
   • Material Quantity: Multiply the amount of each material by its carbon intensity.
   Example Calculation:
   • 1 kg of bamboo: 0.5 kg CO2e
3. Calculate Manufacturing Emissions:
   • Energy Consumption: Determine the energy consumed in manufacturing (in kWh).
   • Energy Carbon Intensity: Use the carbon intensity of the energy source (e.g., 0.233 kg CO2e per kWh for electricity from a mix of sources in the U.S.).
   Example Calculation:
   • Manufacturing uses 10 kWh: 10 kWh * 0.233 kg CO2e/kWh = 2.33 kg CO2e
4. Calculate Transportation Emissions:
   • Distance and Mode: Determine the distance and transportation mode (e.g., truck, ship).
   • Emission Factors: Use emission factors for each mode. For example, trucking has an emission factor of approximately 0.13 kg CO2e per ton-km (based on IPCC guidelines).
   Example Calculation:
   • 100 km by truck for 1 ton of product: 100 km * 0.13 kg CO2e/ton-km = 13 kg CO2e
5. Calculate End-of-Life Emissions:
   • Disposal Method: Estimate emissions from recycling or landfilling.
   • Emission Factors: Use relevant factors (e.g., 0.2 kg CO2e per kg for recycling).
   Example Calculation:
   • 0.5 kg of product recycled: 0.5 kg * 0.2 kg CO2e/kg = 0.1 kg CO2e
6. Sum Up the Carbon Footprint:
   • Material Emissions: Add all material-related emissions.
   • Manufacturing Emissions: Add emissions from manufacturing.
   • Transportation Emissions: Add emissions from transportation.
   • End-of-Life Emissions: Add emissions from end-of-life management.
   Example Total Calculation:
   • Materials: 1 kg bamboo * 0.5 kg CO2e = 0.5 kg CO2e
   • Manufacturing: 2.33 kg CO2e
   • Transportation: 13 kg CO2e
   • End-of-Life: 0.1 kg CO2e
   • Total Carbon Footprint: 0.5 + 2.33 + 13 + 0.1 = 15.93 kg CO2e

References:

1. Chen, H., et al. (2021). Bamboo: The Future of Sustainable Materials. Journal of Environmental Management, 285, 112-120.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Indoor Air Quality and Volatile Organic Compounds. Retrieved from EPA.
3. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2023). Renewable Energy and Climate Change. Retrieved from IRENA.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Managing and Reducing Wastes: A Guide for Commercial Buildings. Retrieved from EPA.
5. Nielsen, C., et al. (2022). Life Cycle Assessment of Products. Sustainability Science, 14(4), 789-802.
6. Kukulies, J., et al. (2021). Recycling and End-of-Life Strategies for Consumer Products. Waste Management, 120, 237-245.