Thoughts
About Materials
Things are objects of
thought, and tangible things are made of materials. Animal, vegetable,
and mineral are our basic material choices. One vegetable is wood,
and wood comes from trees cut down and cut up. One mineral is steel,
and steel comes from iron ore found within the Earth, requiring
removal for refinement and use. Mining is a handy method.
The Earthly supply of
these materials is limited, and their wise use and conservation
must be encouraged. Here we face a paradox. The manufacture of tangible
things creates a demand for materials, some of which require a destruction
for their use. At this point in time, we must create more than we
destroy. This is a rather intricate problem.
How do we know what materials
to use?
How can we promote a
sustainable economy?
see: Green
Tax
What is an appropriate
material to use to make something?
The physical properties
of a material must at least equal the physical requirement of the
object. If the performance requirements are met or exceeded by any
number of materials, then a choice must be made.
Please explore the links
below to find out the current state of EN100 material philosophy.
Animal
Vegetable
Mineral
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