ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Life cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a way of comparing the environmental effects of different products or activities. It looks at the whole life cycle of a product, from the raw materials to when it is recycled or thrown away. By looking at all the effects, we can decide which products or activities are better for the environment. For example, an LCA can decide which type of packaging is better for the environment - cardboard, plastic, or something else.