Describe extracting and processing raw materials as a stage in life cycle assessment.

Extracting and processing raw materials is a crucial stage in life cycle assessment (LCA). This phase involves obtaining raw materials from natural sources, such as mining for metals or harvesting timber for wood products. The environmental impacts associated with this stage can be significant, including habitat destruction, energy consumption, and pollution. Understanding these impacts helps in evaluating the overall sustainability of a product. By assessing the extraction and processing stages, we can identify opportunities for reducing resource use and minimizing environmental harm, ultimately contributing to more sustainable product development.