You might just be filling up on water from the faucet because it's convenient and you're...

Disassembly embraces the idea that the whole is not necessarily greater than the sum of its parts. A product that can be easily disassembled can be easily repaired-just take off the damaged part, fix it or replace it, and pop it back on-so it's less likely to be thrown away for something entirely new. When it's outlived its use, it can be taken apart-smaller pieces are easier to transport and recycle. Disassembly is an important element of sustainable product design, because it reduces waste and limits unnecessary consumption.

Landfills prohibit the breakdown of biodegradable materials such as vegetation and newsprint due...