The study of industrial systems that operate more
like natural ecosystems is known as industrial ecology
(Frosch, 1994). The term was coined in the early
1990s, but the actual concepts involved are decades
old. It involves the sustainable philosophies of
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle applied toward industry.
Industrial ecology is based on environmental awareness
and good economic sense. An industrial ecology
system uses recycled materials instead of, or
in addition to, raw materials in the manufacturing
process, producing materials that can again be
recycled after consumption. In this approach, waste,
and environmental and production costs are reduced.
The industry saves money on energy, disposal fees
for hazardous and non-hazardous materials, permitting
fees, transportation, and the cost of new raw
materials.