Sustainable Design

Environmental sustainability is not a novelty, but it has been only within the last ten to fifteen years that graphic design has begun implementing it. There is an urgent need for achieving an eco-friendly design approach as resources in our planet are running out and pollution is increasing at dangerous rates. Sustainability in graphic design refers to finding a balance between economy, the environment and society when drafting, creating, printing and using new technologies for any project. The objective of sustainable design is to avoid completely any negative environmental impact through skillful design. This topic is closely related to my practice first because we use natural resources for our creations and second because as a graphic designer, I have the responsibility to influence positively in public opinion and educate clients and users in environmental issues. We as designers have the responsibility of encouraging sustainability and creating our works without compromising the environment. Searching and learning more about the direct impact we have on the environment made me more conscious about the approach we need to have towards green design and philosophy. I don’t want to contribute to contamination, to extinction of species or to global warming, and if I would contribute to this through design, then I am not a good designer. Graphic Designers have the power and tools to turn a consumerism society into a sustainable and responsible one. By adopting sustainable design methods, tools and guidelines, Graphic Designers can reduce the waste and pollution created in the whole design process. They can use less contaminating materials such as ink, paper, printing machines and reduce the electricity usage, replacing it by green power. Achieving sustainability in graphic design is about thinking the long term consequences of the design choices on future generations and the environment. There is a need for put sustainability considerations at the forefront of the design process, and this helps enhancing the value of cultural, environmental, social and economic responsibility.