According to an article by Gordon Kaye (of Graphic Design USA) on thepapermillstore.com, about 94% of graphic designers create projects for print, 53% for packaging design, and 77% for the internet. Designers today have more influence than ever over the production of client’s projects from pre-production all the way through to the final product. 88% of designers said they had influence over what paper choices to use for the projects, and 83% said they had influence over where and how to get the project printed. Based on these figures and also on a few experiences working with clients, I think designers can have an enormous impact on our society’s collective carbon footprint.
Designers strive to find balance between what a client wants to communicate, their allotted budget, and a successful design that’s executed cleanly and creatively. Finding ways to minimize energy consumed in the process adds another variable to this puzzle. Negative environmental impacts can be reduced without compromising the aesthetics or functionality of a piece. Luckily, sustainable thinking and “being green” is becoming popular among people and companies who are keeping up with global events (or who want to look like they are). Companies are starting to realize that if they don’t jump on the green bandwagon, they may lose business from responsibly-minded customers. I hope that sustainable practices will soon be the norm instead of the occasional. Here are some ways that can get us started in a good direction:
CONSIDERATIONS
- A product (whether it be a design piece or an object of another kind) could be made from fewer materials so that it is smaller and lighter.
- It could be made with reclaimed materials or recycled materials. - It could be designed to have a second function. For example, it could transform into another product, like the packaging for the biodegradable TWIST sponges. The paper labels wrapped around the sponges have instructions on the inside telling the customer how they can convert the label into a birdfeeder.
- The product could be manufactured with renewable resources. There are lots of choices for more eco-friendly papers (see post about paper choices), as well as finding a printing company who might use non-solvent based inks or runs their business with renewable energy.
- More to follow.
