THINK GREEN BEFORE YOU DESIGN
Eleven questions to ask before you design, specify or buy anything
1. Do we need it? Can we live without it?
More than ever, tie product (or project) to purpose. A mindful reason behind creating or buying will lead to more successful solutions and less waste.
2. Is the project designed to minimize waste?
Careful planning on a press sheet, purging mailing lists, more targeted messages combined with smaller print runs and smarter packaging design reduces waste.
3. Can it be smaller, lighter or made from fewer materials?
Sharpen your focus, paying attention to the essentials, without sacrificing beauty or functionality.
4. Is it designed to be durable or multi-functional?
Can an object be designed to last or at least fixed easily if broken?
5. Does it use renewable resources?
Renewable resources are those that are replaced at the same rate or faster than they are being used, like sun, wind and tides.
6. Is reuse practical and encouraged?
Not all designs or products are practical from a reuse standpoint. So ask yourself, does your design approach encourage reuse of your product? Is it of a sufficient quality that it will last long enough to be reused?
7. Are the product and packaging refillable, recyclable, or repairable?
Consider the ridiculous. Perhaps the best solutions seem unattainable at first, only because they’re unfamiliar. Break some rules. Include repair instructions for the user.
8. Is it made with post-consumer recycled materials and how much?
Your vendors are often your best allies in making these decisions. Tap them for solutions you may not have considered. Reclaimed materials are especially good to use for small-scale projects where large quantities aren’t necessary.
9. Are the materials available in a less toxic form? Can it be made with less toxic materials?
Talk to vendors about toxic pigments and ask for alternatives. Display vendors are offering more low-toxin alternatives to vinyl banner material. Lower-toxin resins for plastics do exist.
10. Is it available from a socially and environmentally responsible company?
reward companies with shared values by working with them…and the rest will follow.
11. Is it made locally?
Emissions from shipping materials plan a large role in a product’s footprint. In one case, local might be to you and your client. In another, your project might best be reproduced or fabricated where your client lives. Think of both ends of reproduction, from raw materials to final product.
(Adapted from content created by Johnson and Johnson and the Portland Oregon chapter of AIGA)
AIGA Portland
Please keep or share this handy sustainable design reference as you work. By no means exhaustive, these references are a good starting point on the path to green design thinking.
Mission of AIGA Portland’s Sustainability Initiative: To provide on and offline environments for designers and thought leaders to discuss sustainability, green practices, the future role of visual communications, and beyond.
