the objective of this repa analysis is to compare resource depletion and environmental degradation impacts created by the manufacture and use of selected disposable and reusable products. the resource and environmental factors considered were grouped into seven basic repa impact categories. energy, materials, and water are inputs to each product system studied. process and postconsumer solid wastes, atmospheric emissions and waterborne wastes are outputs from each product system studied. the repa analysis measures these impacts through a complete product life cycle. for a disposable paper product, the repa study begins in the area of woodlands harvesting the study then progresses through pulp and paper making, product converting, and use/discard/final disposal. for a reusable cotton cloth product, the study begins in the area of cotton growing and ginning and progresses through spinning, weaving, finishing, converting, laundering, and use/discard/final disposal. for a synthetic fiber cloth product, the study begins in the area of oil and natural gas production for polyester and woodlands harvesting for rayon. it then progresses through chemical intermediates production, polymerization, spinning, weaving, finishing, converting and use/discard/final disposal. the analysis also includes impacts associated with the transportation of these materials and products from site to site, and recycling that takes place within the production processes