Selecting products developed with a sustainable design is an example of which practice?

Selecting products developed with a sustainable design exemplifies source reduction because it focuses on minimizing the use of materials and resources throughout a product's lifecycle. Sustainable design often incorporates strategies that reduce the amount of energy, water, and raw materials used in production, aligning with efforts to lessen environmental impact. This practice not only seeks to create efficient products but also promotes the overall reduction of waste generated during manufacturing and usage, contributing to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled instead of discarded.

In contrast, the other options refer to practices that do not enhance sustainability. For instance, hazardous material usage entails using products that can be detrimental to health or the environment, resource depletion highlights the unsustainable extraction of resources, and waste generation indicates an increase in materials being discarded, all of which oppose the principles of sustainable design. Therefore, source reduction through the selection of sustainable products plays a critical role in promoting a healthier environment and more responsible resource management.