Final answer:
The main levers for minimizing a product's environmental impact are emissions reduction, creating greener products, and reducing impacts across operations. Other consumer demands for environmental sustainability include organic products, reduced packaging, and a sharing economy. Firms tend to reduce pollution where it is most cost-effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main levers to minimize the impact of a product on the environment include various strategies such as measuring and reducing emissions, creating greener products, and reducing environmental impacts across company operations. First, companies can measure and reduce emissions by implementing energy efficiency practices, investing in renewable energy sources, and engaging in energy policy advocacy. Secondly, they can focus on manufacturing products that are efficient, longer lasting, and free of hazardous substances. Lastly, firms can lessen their environmental footprint by carefully selecting production materials and energy sources, and by creating global take-back programs for their products.
Other current consumer demands that could have similar environmental effects include organic and locally sourced products, minimal packaging or biodegradable materials, and the shift towards a sharing economy that encourages reuse and recycling of resources. The United Nations Environment Programme has highlighted the need for assessing the environmental impacts of both consumption and production patterns. Moreover, it is also noted that reductions of pollution tend to occur in firms where it is cheapest to do so, utilizing the least expensive methods available.