According to the principles of sustainability, how should products be viewed?

Products should be viewed as more sustainable or greener in the context of sustainability principles. This perspective emphasizes the ongoing improvement in the environmental impact of products through better materials, manufacturing processes, and lifecycle management. Recognizing products in this way encourages manufacturers to strive for innovations that minimize harm to the environment, use resources more efficiently, and promote sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain.

Viewing products as more sustainable or greener also implies a comparative approach, where different products or versions can be assessed based on their ecological footprints. This view reinforces the idea that sustainability is a dynamic goal, wherein progress is made gradually, and that certain products can be superior regarding their environmental impact compared to others. It fosters the idea that sustainability is not binary—something can be less harmful but still have negative effects, while other options are actively designed to reduce these impacts.

In contrast, other perspectives might oversimplify the complex nature of sustainability. For example, seeing products as entirely sustainable could lead to complacency and overlook the continuous improvements needed. Similarly, considering them only as less harmful does not fully acknowledge the potential for innovation that leads to greener alternatives. Viewing them merely as a measure of sustainability might miss the broader systems and practices that contribute to true sustainability in supply chains and consumption patterns.