NextMarsMedia/ beboy / Shutterstock.com Voices | Responsibility LCAs: One Ring To Rule Them All Taking a page out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s opus, we can use The Lord of The Rings to describe one of the most powerful tools in sustainable business practices. By Elizabeth Wimbush IN THE REALM of sustainable business practices, there’s a powerful tool that often goes unnoticed, much like the ring in the pocket of a certain hobbit. It’s called a life cycle assessment, and it holds the key to understanding the environmental impact of our everyday actions, including the production and distribution of promotional products. What’s An LCA? An LCA is a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle. This includes everything from the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing processes to distribution, use and disposal. At the heart of the life cycle assessment lies the concept of the “One Ring,” a symbol of power and responsibility. Just as the ringbearer must bear the weight of their burden, so too must we, as stewards of the Earth, acknowledge the impact of our actions. The LCA serves as our guide, revealing the hidden paths and pitfalls of our supply chains, from the mines of Moria to the forges of Mordor. But fear not – like Frodo and Sam on their journey to Mount Doom, we’re not alone. With the fellowship of stakeholders by our side, we can navigate 32 • JUNE 2024 • PPAI
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