Life cycle analysis

Life cycle analysis (LCA) is like a scientific investigation of a product or activity. Scientists look at each step in the product or activity's life to see what environmental impacts it has. They look at things like how much energy or resources it takes to make the product or use the activity, what kind of waste is created during production, and how long the product lasts before it has to be replaced. In the end, the scientists can tell how much impact the product or activity has on the environment, including things like water and air pollution.