“Simply defined, the practice of green design conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, cuts solid waste and minimizes the ecological footprint of a project. Green design is a better way of creating.” –Eric Benson, The Big Book of Green Design.
Contrary to popular belief, designers do something more than make something look pretty.
A pretty package is more likely to be bought than a less attractive package, agree? So this obviously reflects on the products success. But it doesn’t end there, what about when the product has been used or taken out of the packaging? The packaging then gets thrown away – it’s still not over yet. That packaging then goes into the waste which gets burned, which effects our Ozone layer contributing to global warming. Yip, most of the environmental impact of products and services is indeed determined at the design stage.
One of the first things that should be thought about is what resources will be needed for this project? Things to consider include : raw materials (paper, cardboard – all from trees), manufacturing/assembly (finishing touches like stapling, glue etc), energy (electricity needed, human labour) and transportation (will the products need to be transported far from where they were produced?).
Another important point to keep in mind is what will happen to the packaging once it is opened or the product has fulfilled its purpose? Things that should be well thought about include material waste (re-prints), manufacturing waste (proofs, bleaching, cleaners) and finally, greenhouse gas emissions (processes, transportation).
When it comes to sustainability design, less is more. A few, but very important and effective questions you can ask yourself include :
- Can it be digital?
- Can it be smaller?
- Can it be made with recycled materials?
- Can it be recycled, composted or reused when finished with?
- How will the user know to do so?
- Can it be made to last longer?
By implementing these environmentally sound practices, designers can be part of the solution.
My favourite resources include :
- http://www.re-nourish.com
- http://www.designcanchange.org
- The Big Book of Green Design – a fantastic book, very insightful and interesting.
Case Study : Jo Wood Organics
Jo Wood Organics is a range of body care products for people interested in organic lifestyle products and skin care. All packaging is recyclable. Not only is the packaging recyclable, but supporting promotional literature is printed on chlorine-free paper and produced by a Carbon Neutral printer using 100% vegetable based inks.
