The true cost is an expression used to describe the full extent of the impact that a product or service has on society and the environment, taking into account all costs involved in its production, distribution, use, and disposal. This includes not only direct costs such as labor, materials, and overhead but also indirect costs like environmental damage, health consequences, and social injustices. The true cost is an important concept to consider when making purchasing decisions or evaluating the sustainability of a product or business practice because it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the overall impact of our actions on people and planet.