National material metrics for industrial ecology

Abstract We present an assembly of metrics for monitoring environmental performance at the national level, based on the flow of materials through the US economy. To set the stage, we show a schematic rendering of national materials flows, identifying the most important flow components. We compare and contrast amounts of materials entering and exiting the economy, using weight as the common measure. Additionally, we relate physical data on materials consumption and disposal to monetary measures of national economic activity. Eight general classes and eighteen individual metrics comprise the set. For several, we provide quantitative examples. Our aim is to initiate a framework for assessing national materials use which helps prevent pollution, reduce waste and encourage efficient resource use.

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