Thompson (principal designer, Nokia) offers his latest reference for design students that explores the environmental impact of materials, manufacturing processes, product life cycles, and choosing and using them. The author discusses 15 materials, 14 processes, and six production life cycles in this very readable and well-illustrated book. Complete technical descriptions and notes on suitability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are included. Materials and processes range from copper alloys and wool to electropolishing and steam bending. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)