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This week, I learned about the structure of an academic essay. Jamie gave us two articles about sustainability in film. We talked about the introduction, body paragraphs, topic sentences, and conclusion.

At first, I felt a bit confused because the articles had many new words. But I liked the topic, and I was interested in how movies can be more eco-friendly.

I think this activity was useful. It helped me see how a good essay is organized. The introduction should give background and a thesis. Each paragraph should have one main point and a topic sentence. The conclusion should bring everything together. This helps the reader understand the message better.

Next week, I will also read more model essays to learn how other students write their topic sentences and organize their ideas.

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This video talks about an industry in a small town - recycling old clothes and turning them into new textile materials. Every year, a large amount of clothes are wasted or dumped in landfills. This is a serious act of waste. In a small town, a factory recycles old clothes (about 25 tons per day) and turns them into recyclable materials.

One thing I learned from this video is the importance of recycling resources and environmental protection, especially animal protection. This behavior can relieve the stress of farmers and animals, such as sheep.

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 Listening & Notetaking – Sustainability & Fashion

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 Listening & Notetaking – Sustainability & Fashion

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There are a wide variety of species on Earth. Due to people's interest in fast fashion, these species have been harmed. Deforestation leads to animals losing their habitats. Some factories cause water pollution.

Every year, more than 100 billion pieces of clothing are produced. 1,000 kinds of chemicals enter nature. 3to5's clothes are wasted (sent to landfill) in 12 months. One thing I learned from this video is that we should protect the environment. For instance, we can use recyclable materials and buy high-quality clothes and clean consider fashion. We need a healthy Earth.

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 Listening & Notetaking – Climate Change

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 Listening & Notetaking – Climate Change

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The greenhouse effect is a very serious environmental pollution problem. Due to human activities such as deforestation and the use of fossil fuels, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen by 40%. This will cause glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise, human migration and species extinction.

One thing I learned from this video is as one of the creatures on the earth, we should protect the environment. Human activities have caused irreparable damage to the Earth (especially the excessive carbon dioxide).

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Project Step 2 – Written submission template

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Reflective - Poster & Presentation Skills

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Reflective - Poster & Presentation Skills

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I learned that a good poster should be simple but clear. The layout should be easy to follow. It is important to use space well. There should not be too many words. The font must be easy to read. Color contrast is also important — it should make the text easier to see, not harder. Pictures or diagrams should be helpful, not just decorative. And it is good to add references if you use other people's ideas.

In my Identity project poster, I think I did a good job with color and layout. The poster was clean and not too crowded. I also used clear headings, which helped people understand my points. I felt satisfied with the final result.

My classmates gave me helpful advice. One said I should use more signposting language in my presentation, like “first,” “next,” and “finally.” This can help the audience follow my ideas. Next time, I will practice my presentation more. I will write down some key words to help me. I will also use stronger images in my poster, and check my font size and spacing.

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Today, I presented my research on Starbucks’ greenwashing strategies. I talked about the problems behind their “eco-friendly” image, such as the heavy strawless lids and the low recycling rate of paper cups.

At the beginning, I felt a bit nervous, because I thought my research was not deep or wide enough. But during the Q&A part, I felt much better. I was happy with how I answered the questions. I shared my own observation from shopping at Starbucks — I noticed that brands like IKEA and MUJI have recycling stations, but Starbucks does not. This made me wonder: if Starbucks cups are made of plastic, how can they be recycled?

One good thing was that my structure was clear. I used some tips from the “Presenting Effectively” PCA, such as signposting (“First…Then…Finally”), a clear voice, and meaningful visuals. However, I noticed I sometimes spoke too fast and didn’t explain technical ideas clearly, like the issue of recycling plastic lids.

I learned that adding personal experience can make the message stronger.

I also liked Clara’s Coca-Cola presentation — her logic was clear, and the atmosphere was calm. One strong point she made was about a Coca-Cola bottle in Taiwan that said “Recycle Me” but didn’t tell people how to recycle it, what material it was, or where to recycle it. This made me realize that clear, real-life examples can make a point much more powerful.

Next time, I want to include one strong case like Clara did. I will also try to improve my tone and body language to create a better speaking atmosphere.

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It is a sponsored article about digital inkjet printing for paper packaging. It explains how this printing method helps build a circular and sustainable packaging system.

I found it on the FlexoTech website in a sponsored content section, published in April 2025.

The article shows that digital inkjet printing uses less energy, creates less waste, and supports paper packaging over plastic. It describes print-on-demand to avoid overproduction.

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Digital Inkjet Printing: A Circular Sustainable Solution for Paper Packaging

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Sustainability has proven to be an increasingly influential driver for flexible packaging production. Various brands have been working to increase renewable material usage, minimise C02 emissions, improve End of-Life (EOL) recyclability, and reduce the overall amount of virgin plastic packaging for their products.

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It is a news article about new green packaging trends in 2024.

I found it on the Packaging Technology Today website

The article shows new ways to make packaging better for the environment. It talks about using paper, reusable systems, and recycling. This helps me think of better ideas for my design project.

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A circular economy hinges on reusable packaging
By Mike Jones, Mainetti's Head of Innovation
The packaging industry is closely intertwined with multiple sectors, including retail and pharmaceuticals. As these markets respond to the escalating climate crisis, the packaging sector must evolve. Consequently, sustainability has emerged as a top priority, and is a trend that has continued to gain momentum this year.

The packaging industry has played a significant role in global warming, as a 2021 study from Science Journal found that packaging materials account for the largest proportion of plastic waste at 47 percent. Additionally, non-government organization, Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), found that the plastic packaging sector produces an annual equivalent of 1.8 billion tons of carbon emissions. A move toward sustainable packaging is therefore crucial to alleviate the effects of the climate crisis.

Shifting Away from Plastic: The Industry Embraces Paper and Compostable Packaging

While companies make efforts to reduce their plastic consumption, many opt for paper packaging as an environmentally friendly alternative. Indeed, a report published earlier this year by market research firm, IMARC Group, found that in 2023, the global paper packaging market size amassed $428.1 billion, and is expected to grow to $535.6 billion by 2032. This is to meet the increasing demand for paper over plastic packaging, as illustrated by a 2020 survey by Two Sides North America which found that 57 percent of U.S. consumers prefer paper bags due to their environmental benefits, such as ease for recycling and composting. Additionally, the survey found that the same number of respondents are taking active steps to cut down their use of plastic packaging.

Although replacing plastic with paper can be an effective way to achieve net-zero targets, the issue is more complicated than swapping one single-use material for another. The reality is that, while paper biodegrades more easily than plastic and so is easier to dispose of than plastic, the manufacturing process is incredibly energy intensive. The Northern Ireland Assembly found that a paper bag takes over four times as much energy than a plastic one to manufacture.

Additionally, a 2023 study featured in Waste Management Bulletin showed that, in 2019, the paper and cardboard industry produced 110 million tons of waste in the U.S., where 56 percent of this was sent to landfill and only 38 percent was recycled. It is therefore critical that businesses and consumers remain mindful when deciding which material type to use.

In response to growing concerns about plastic waste, compostable packaging is becoming an increasingly popular alternative in the retail industry. While compostable packaging is often perceived as breaking down quickly and being easily recycled, the reality is that its recycling process is much more complex. This is because the current waste collection infrastructure in the U.S. is limited in its capacity to handle certain types of compostable packaging, as illustrated by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition which found that only 11 percent of the U.S. population currently has access to composting programs.

Additionally, varying regulations across municipalities regarding what composting facilities can and cannot accept further complicate the recycling process. The process becomes even more confusing for consumers when separating materials for recycling, as it's nearly impossible for the untrained eye to distinguish between bioplastic and regular plastic. This often results in contamination at composting facilities. Despite this, the compostable packaging industry is projected to grow from a global market size of $88.73 billion in 2022 to $197.85 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4 percent, according to consulting firm Towards Packaging.

The U.S. is taking steps to improve legislation around compostable packaging. In 2023, the U.S. Senate introduced the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, which mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to produce several reports on composting, recycling, and the nation's capacity to enforce a national composting strategy aimed at reducing contamination rates in recycling. Although these recent efforts will create further support for the use of compostable packaging, the U.S. still does not have the appropriate infrastructure. Packaging producers must recognize this reality and carefully choose materials to ensure their packaging is genuinely sustainable.

Contrastingly, Italy has made substantial progress in enhancing its recycling infrastructure for compostable materials. In 2021, the country launched BIOREPACK, a ground-breaking national consortium for compostable packaging and the first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in Europe. This initiative ensures that producers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products.

BIOREPACK not only supports, but also finances the recycling and recovery of compostable packaging. By working with councils, waste operators, and composting facilities, the consortium guarantees the effective collection and disposal of these materials. According to a 2021 activity report from BIOREPACK, Italy's EPR scheme has achieved an impressive 52 percent recycling rate for compostable packaging, benefiting 61 percent of the country. For the U.S. to advance toward a circular economy for compostable materials, it is crucial to follow Italy's lead. Without a sufficient waste collection system, U.S. retailers must instead ban compostable packaging - as the UK has done in recent years - to support the circular economy and ensure all materials are appropriately collected and recycled.

Reusable Packaging is the Future of the Circular Economy

What's important isn't whether single-use packaging is made from plastic, paper, or compostable materials - instead, it is crucial that packaging is reusable. Indeed, the Reusable Packaging Association explains that this kind of packaging can reduce the environmental impact of supply chains and more effectively support a circular economy than single-use materials. Indeed, a single reusable packaging item can reduce solid waste sent to landfills by up to 86 percent. Additionally, single-use reusable packaging cuts CO ₂ emissions by up to 60 percent, energy consumption by up to 64 percent, and consumes up to 80 percent less water. This is because reusable materials do not need to be remanufactured or recycled, whereas single-use packaging does.

As a result of these benefits, the retail industry is increasingly embracing reusable packaging solutions to achieve their sustainability goals. Indeed, a 2024 study by Towards Packaging found that the reusable packaging market is set to grow from $113.77 billion in 2022 to $197.11 billion by 2032. Additionally, government legislation across the U.S. is increasingly promoting reusable packaging over single-use materials, according to a 2024 study published by the non-profit organizations Environment America, U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, and Frontier Group. The report revealed that plastic bag bans have been implemented in 500 municipalities across 28 states, including California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and more. These bans have cut the number of single-use plastic bags used each year in the U.S. by approximately 6 billion, encouraging instead the use of reusable packaging.

Overall, businesses are reassessing their packaging materials to address the severe impacts of the climate crisis. With numerous sustainable packaging options available, it is crucial for companies to consider the end-of-life management of these materials - whether there is adequate recycling infrastructure to handle them and if the materials are even recyclable. To effectively combat the climate crisis and minimize environmental impact, adhering to the principles of the circular economy is essential.

About the Author

Mike Jones is Mainetti's Head of Innovation. Learn more at https://www.mainetti.com.

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Sustainable Packaging Trends of 2024 - Packaging Technology Today

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A circular economy hinges on reusable packaging By Mike Jones, Mainetti's Head of Innovation The packaging industry is closely intertwined with multiple sectors, including retail and pharmaceuticals. As these markets...

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It is an online article about flexible packaging and recycling. It talks about why it is hard to recycle this type of packaging.

My project is about printing and packaging. This article shows that some packaging is hard to recycle. It helps me understand the problems of packaging waste. It also helps me think about better materials for design.

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Last week I was working on group presentation and some team discussions that about my new project. And in the Monday I learned a new technique when I was made ps1 interview. It is about preparation before a interview and presentation skills.

I was a bit exciting because I made enough prepare, such as full understand bibliography and get familiar with my viewpoints and new words. I was interested in this research topic - sustainability. My major enables me to talk a lot.

It was useful to learn how to presentation skills as if I am a speaker, I will be very concerned about the feedback from the audience. I enjoyed the process of learning how to organize a group presentation and self interviews. It was exactly what I had been hoping for. I use speaking and listening methods to help me pay attention to how to do better.

But I still have problems. For example, I speak quickly that lead to I can't clearly express point. I see that I need to work on my speaking speech, I should spend more time thinking what I want to say. To deal with this problem, I will

exercise my logical thinking and adaptability. This can help me adapt to more situations, not just presentations and interviews.

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 Essay Writing： Sustainability in the Film Industry

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 Essay Writing： Sustainability in the Film Industry

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In recent years, the film industry has faced serious environment problem and sustainability issues. At the same time, the film industry can use new energy sources and digital technologies to reduce its environmental impact. This essay will explore the issues of energy use on set and transport and logistics in film production.

Firstly, energy use on set lead to many environmental impacts in film production. Traditional film lighting uses large and high-wattage bulbs. This can easily lead to high carbon emissions, because the bulbs powered by fossil fuels. Of course, some studios are start use LED lighting which is environment friendly bulb, it can uses up to 80% less energy and generates less heat (GreenFilmWatch. 2022). In addition, some products in order to less energy impact that start use solar-powered or renewable energy. These changes help people savings in energy, money, and environmental damage.

Another major sustainability problem is transport and logistics. Sometimes the crew and equipment need to travel large car or air to far places.  It's increased fuel use, air pollution and adds to costs. The source explains that the good news is some studios beginning use digital communication tools and VR, another studios choosing “localising” shoots(Lee, 2023). These methods save money and protect the local environment.

In conclusion, the film industry creates many environment pollution, especially from energy and transport. But with new technology, companies can take responsibility and help make the industry more sustainable.

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  Reflective about textile waste in Ghana 

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  Reflective about textile waste in Ghana 

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This article showed about that many old clothes from the UK are sent to Ghana, but they are not reused. They are dumped in wetland and beaches. It has caused pollution to the wetlands, and it is very unfriendly to the local wildlife. At the same time, The daily lives of local people have also been affected. Although a number of clothes have been transported in the center of Ghana’s second-hand clothing trade. But many clothes are low quality or broken, so they become waste quickly. Ghana’s waste system cannot solve this rubbish, so their are throwed in nature.

Some people think UK should make new laws (be called EPR). Some brands, like Zara said the circular model system needs to change. I think if some brands help Ghana change their recycling system or give some money to the local government, can be well. In fact, Some brands and governments have made attempts, such as recycle clothes or don’t send waste abroad. But the problem still happening, so may be they are not doing enough.

Companies should check where their clothes go and help build recycling. Governments should make strong laws to stop waste from going to poor areas. Everyone should works together.

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Instructions:Read the article quickly a couple of times to get the main idea, then read it again more slowly to find details of:What the problem isWhy it's a problemThe impact of the problemAny solutions discussed

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Why do I think it's important to connect with nature?

For me, nature is the source of my ideas. In both painting and design, I get my first ideas from nature — like light and shadow, colors, or the shape of a flower. When we stay away from nature, our work becomes more “repetitive” and “same.” We lose important feelings, and then our work becomes boring, like a robot.

PS:

On the balcony of my home. My sister's cat is called "Doctor".

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”Minimalism as a sustainable lifestyle: Its behavioral representations and contributions to emotional well-being“

This is a research article from the journal Sustainable Production and Consumption.

It shows how a minimalist lifestyle can help people use fewer things and feel more happy.

This idea fits well with design thinking like “less printing, more meaning.” The article gives strong support for the human and emotional side of my project. It shows that using less does not mean having less, but finding deeper meaning.

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Aesthetics of Sustainability: Research on the Design Strategies for Emotionally Durable Visual Communication Design

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Lately, most studies on sustainable design from the perspective of emotional durability focus on product design, particularly on exploring how do product functions direct consumers’ emotional changes after the product is used, but overlook the significant impact of consumers’ visual impression of the product on their judgment. Therefore, this paper aims at finding out how to maintain the emotionally durable connection between consumers and products with the help of visual communication design so as to provide guidance for prolonging the service life of products and reducing the waste and consumption of resources. Based on literature reviews on sustainable design, visual communication design, and emotionally durable design, this paper firstly adopted the case study method to analyze more than 85 high-quality design practice cases and put forward preliminary design strategies. The behavior research method was then applied to analyze the consumer behavior involved in the preliminary design strategies, and those design strategies were upgraded according to the analysis results. Based on the above analysis and research work, this paper proposed six design strategies to improve the emotional durability of visual communication design, namely, Enjoyment, Functionality, Narrativity, Symbolism, Interaction, and Innovation. In the area of sustainability, the design strategies proposed in this paper provide a new design mode for emotionally durable visual communication design and make products to be more acceptable to consumers and long-term holding. Emotionally durable visual communication design can influence consumers’ aesthetics and lead consumers’ behavior toward more sustainable use of products.

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“Going Green with Minimalist Packaging Design”

This is a blog from Pakfactory, a business website that offers custom packaging solutions.

The article talks about the rules of minimal packaging design and types like mailer boxes. It explains how this kind of design saves materials, makes less waste, and helps with recycling.

It gives useful ideas for the “sustainable packaging” part of my project. It also matches my ideas — that “packaging is communication” and “less is more.” It can help designers make better and easier design plans.

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The terms 'sustainable' and 'green' are not new when it comes to packaging.

In fact, over the last 10 years, the entire supply chain has been demanding for sustainable and green packaging with minimalist packaging design.

Why? Because minimalist packaging is proven to greatly influence consumers' purchasing choices and bottom lines.
The annual Sustainable Packaging Study conducted by Packaging Digest and Sustainable Packaging Coalition reveals that 92% of consumers feel that minimalist, eco-friendly, or biodegradable packaging matters.
The study also indicates that 74% of business owners put emphasis on using recycled content materials for their packaging.

As more end-users recycle packaging to address environmental issues and reduce carbon footprint and energy costs, it won't take too long for green and minimalist packaging to become the norm for consumers.

Business owners must now begin to adapt to packaging trends and take responsibility for their role in alleviating pollution and conserving raw materials.

What Packaging Material is Best for Minimalist Packaging?

Paper is the largest material type in the packaging market.

Compared with molded plastic, the paper material is not only cheaper but also more sustainable.

It causes little to no damage to the environment and can be reused and repurposed.

Unlike plastic, bottles, cans or Styrofoam, paper can be produced and recycled without using harmful chemicals.

There are two paper materials that yield high-quality packaging, and are still eco-friendly:

Kraft

Kraft paper is produced from 100% virgin fiber paper during the kraft process.
It is renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable.
It is typically used in packaging consumer products, especially food and drink.

Kraft is taint-free, resilient, and most of all, suitable for high-quality prints.

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)

SBS paperboards are produced from bleached virgin wood pulp and normally contain mineral or synthetic pigment as a coating.

It is perfectly white inside and out, making it an excellent packaging material for custom printing.

SBS paperboards can be cut, creased, hot foil stamped and embossed for a professional finish.

It is common to use SBS to package products such as chocolate, cigarettes, cosmetics, medicines, supplements, and even frozen food because it is acid-free with no smell or taste.

SBS paperboards are also perfect for graphics, signage, and prints because they do not degrade over time.

Minimalist Printing for Packaging
When it comes to minimalist packaging, less is more.
Minimalism in packaging means paring down packaging materials and also paring down the visual aspects of the design.

Companies that adopted minimalist print on the packaging say they are allowing their products to do the talking.

Simple and effective designs capture people's attention.

It is also to prevent overwhelming the packaging aesthetics.

Minimalist designs prevent consumers from being distracted from the central focus of the packaging and convey a highly targeted brand message in an instantly understandable way.

Minimalist packaging prints also drive consumers to reuse and recycle product packaging rather than throw them away.

From a packaging manufacturer's standpoint, minimalist designs, such as black-on-white and digital printing, look more elegant.

Minimalist designs have the opportunity to produce high-quality, eye-appealing packaging that communicates key messages clearly and concisely.

Minimalist Packaging Styles

The primary goal of minimalist packaging is to save raw materials and eliminate waste without compromising the durability or functionality of the packaging.

The packaging should be able to perform its duty of protecting the products and conveying the message of the brand.

Regardless of the structure you choose for your packaging, the key is to keep dimensions as minimal as possible to save materials and keep products adequately protected.

Here are some of the most popular minimalist packaging styles:

Tuck end boxes

Tuck-end boxes are cost-effective and standard.

They can also be manufactured with minimal to no wastage of raw materials.

They are simple and perfect for products that require a large window with a front display panel.

Mailer boxes

Mailer boxes are recyclable and reusable and can be used to package products regardless if they are big or small.

It is an excellent choice if you want a minimalist packaging structure that offers durability especially when it comes to shipping products long distances.

Mailer boxes don't require additional packaging inside when being shipped to customers.

They also allow companies to save on raw materials without sacrificing the safety of the products inside.

Pillow boxes

Pillow boxes are small and compact and they require minimal materials.

Ideally used for gift-giving, pillow boxes give a striking first impression while keeping the products inside intact and safe.

The unique structure also provides a more exciting unboxing experience without using unnecessary materials.

Minimalist Coating Options

Apart from increasing the packaging's aesthetic and haptic appeal, a coating is also applied in order to make the packaging dirt and scuff resistant.

The coating ensures that the packaging is able to withstand frequent touching and handling.
Note: We recommend not using any type of coating if you are producing sustainable packaging for your products to limit chemicals on the material as much as possible.
Coatings and laminates impact the recyclability of packaging.

It is a must that you do your own research before deciding whether or not you really need to coat or laminate your products' packaging.

However, if it is absolutely necessary that you require coating on your packaging, there are sustainable options available.

AQ Coating

AQ coating is the most environmentally-friendly coating amongst the other finishing types.

It is not only affordable but it is completely water-based.

Aqueous coating is standard for food, household products, and fast-consuming product packaging.

In order to come up with the best type of packaging material and structure, you must first understand how green packaging is changing the consumer landscape globally.

Switching to more sustainable packaging will go a long way in saving the environment from further destruction.

At the same time, it can make your product stand out and sell more, generating more profit for your business.

Opting for minimalist packaging design can help you build a stronger brand narrative without confusing your target consumers with unnecessary design elements.

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Going Green with Minimalist Packaging Design | Pakfactory Blog

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Minimalist packaging is being used more often as people become aware of sustainability issues and get involved in the reduction of packaging wastes.

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“The Role of Graphic Designers in Reducing Waste”

This is an article from the official blog of Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD).

It talks about how graphic designers can help the environment by making better design choices in printing and packaging.

The article shares clear ideas, like using fewer colors, choosing eco-friendly tones and fonts, and thinking about how do a sustainability design from the beginning. These ideas match my idea that we should change how we share information from the very start.

PS：

What is an "eco-friendly font"?
Bold fonts use more ink when printing. If we choose thin fonts, we can use less ink. Some fonts are small and take less space, so we can put more words on one page. This helps to print fewer pages.

What is an "eco-friendly color"?
Colors with low ink coverage need less ink. Dark colors use more ink, but light colors use less. Neon and metallic colors often need special chemicals. These can be bad for the environment because they have heavy metals or are hard to break down.

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Designing for Sustainability: The Role of Graphic Designers in Reducing Waste | RMCAD

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Learn how graphic designers can reduce waste by embracing sustainability. Discover strategies for eco-friendly design in print materials and digital projects.

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"The Seed" – Aurora

2019

Climate change and the destruction of nature.

"The Seed" is a strong song about nature and the damage people are doing to the Earth. This song is not just about the environment—it is also about greed, destruction, and the urgent need to change. It is both beautiful and scary.

"Big Yellow Taxi" – Joni Mitchell

1970

Joni saw green spaces replaced by buildings during a trip to Hawaii.

It is a famous environmental protest song.

Even though it sounds like a happy song, the message is serious—protect the earth before it’s too late. It is one of the earliest pop songs to talk about the environment.

"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" – Marvin Gaye

1971

Marvin Gaye was worried about pollution and the planet’s future.

This song is soft and soulful, but its message is very serious. It talks about pollution, dying animals, and dirty oceans. Marvin Gaye’s voice is full of pain and emotion.

"Feels Like Summer" – Childish Gambino

2018

Climate change and people ignoring the danger.

People loved the relaxing sound, and the animated music video became popular.

This song sounds calm and peaceful, but it talks about something very serious—climate change. The lyrics mention rising temperatures, dying bees, and how people are not paying attention. The music feels like a lazy summer day, but the meaning is sad.

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Project Step 1 - Written submission - Sustainability 1

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What was the problem shown in the video?

The production process of T-shirts and the environmental pollution problems

What industry does it relate to?

Agriculture (cotton cultivation), textile industry, transportation industry, and commerce

What were some of the proposed solutions?

Buy second hand /repurpose/donate/buy organic cotton / line dry

What surprised you?

It takes as much as 2,700 liters of water to make a T-shirt.

What could you do differently as a consumer?

Try to buy clothes made of organic cotton, although I don't know if this material will be comfortable for me.

How can you become a more responsible clothing consumer?

Buy less, but better. Pick lasting clothes, not fast fashion.

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We shared our "Personal Professional and Sustainable" projects with each other.

Tongyang and Yiwen have similar research directions, both focusing on sustainable design.

Yiwen tends to do innovative designs related to environmental protection, while Tongyang prefers themes for exhibitions promoting recyclability. I focus on sustainability and recycling in packaging and printing. Our starting points are similar.

Yihang doesn't have a better idea for now. For game design, choosing a sustainable research direction is a bit challenging.

But we discussed together the issue of waste conversion and secondary utilization. We mentioned a Chinese artist called Xu Bing. He made a phoenix out of scrap iron from the garbage dump.

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Reflective Padlet Post – GumDrop Case Study

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Reflective Padlet Post – GumDrop Case Study

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How does the project relate to our Sustainability module?

Gumdrop Ltd recycles discarded chewing gum, converting it into a sustainable material called GUM-TEC®, which is used in a variety of products. In line with the "resource recycling", "waste reduction" and "green innovation" in the sustainable development module.

Which subject specialism does it relate to (e.g. fashion, product design, games, film)?

Product Design.

Sustainable Materials.

Social innovation / Public governance

What was the sustainability problem?

Environmental pollution: Chewing gum is a kind of garbage that is not easy to degrade naturally, affecting the beauty of the city.

Economy: Relevant governments and enterprises need to invest a large amount of money for cleaning.

Resource waste: Chewing gum contains recyclable synthetic rubber, but it has long been treated as garbage.

What was the proposed solution?

Set up "Gumdrop Bin" and "Gumdrop on the go" portable collectors in public places and encourage the public to sort and dispose of them properly.

The collected used chewing gum is recycled and processed by Gumdrop Ltd into GUM-TEC® recyclable material.

Material reuse.

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Don't let Covid burst your bubble

Working together with Bewdley School and WFDC

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

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Don't let Covid burst your bubble Working together with Bewdley School and WFDC We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

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”If + past simple, … would + base verb”

1. If I created for a sustainable furniture brand, I would design goods made from renewable materials.

2. If I were a artist, I would created grand works, like Akiya Kageichi's.

3. If I designed a coffee VI, I would use coffee grounds into ink for their packaging.

4. If I made a poster, I would use flowers and leaves to paint it.

5. If I designed a T-shirt, I would draw with Cyanotype process – painting in the sun.

6. If I made shopping bags, it would print slogans for protecting wild animals.

7. If I designed a snack bag, you could eat the wrapper too.

8. If I taught design history, I would use VR to help my class.

9. If I made street posters, I would use degradable paper instead of plastic.

10. If I created museum maps, they would light near exhibits you haven't seen, like "Harry Potter".

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Summarise the sustainability issue

For most graphic designers, "sustainability" still mainly refers to the selection of physical materials. In the business industry (I think design relies on the business environment), "sustainability" is like a "hot topic".

The more significant role that designers have to play involves the communications challenges surrounding sustainability, which is a complicated, multi-faceted issue that has a wide variety of implications for different industry verticals, communities and demographics—and serious consequences for the future.

Describe the solution that was proposed

Develop communities of practice.

Engage other disciplines in dialogue on the topic.

Look to analogous efforts in other industries.

Evaluate the communications materials and objectives of your own clients.

Prioritize your efforts.

Familiarize yourself with corporate governance issues.

Channel your nonprofit efforts into designer activism and socially-responsible projects.

Seize the opportunity to put a new face on a hoary old movement.

My opinion

These methods are valuable, but there are still challenges:

Business challenges
Education and support are very important
Long-term benefits are worth it
Smart mix of digital and print

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The issue of sustainability-in its various incarnations-has been appearing with increasing frequency wherever graphic design is discussed. Despite its relative importance, few designers have a clear understanding of what the word and its attendant concepts actually mean, while fewer still can relate it to their everyday business practice or understand the implications it holds for their future.
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE SIMPLEST OF TERMS
Leave the place in better shape than you found it. This may sound like common sense, but this deceptively simple idea is tough to apply. Before you can even really begin the discussion, you have to wrestle with the word itself. "Sustainability" has raced to the top of everyone's buzzword watch-list with record-breaking speed (in Vancouver [AIGA Power of Design Conference 2003] , I overheard a group of designers in the elevator declare that if they never heard the word again, it would be too soon). Keen noses to the wind, designers relish virtually any backlash; the sustainability backlash promises to be no different.

To compound the irritation found in the word itself, many people don't really understand how "sustainability" relates to (or differs from) the more widely recognized "environmentalism" (in fact, my spell-checker is telling me that there is no such word as "sustainability"). This confusion warrants some clarification. Unlike the traditional environmental movements dating from the 1960s and '70s, which are primarily driven by over-reliance on regulatory power and grass-roots activism and have traditionally stood in staunch opposition to business interests, sustainability represents a different way of conducting business, and thus is being championed from within progressive and idealistic corporations. Indeed, many of sustainability's heartiest proponents are entrepreneurs (Yvon Chouinard, founder/president/CEO of Patagonia, Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's and Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop) and business consultants (William McDonough and Michael Braungart, authors of Cradle to Cradle). So from a business perspective, the glass-half-full approach represented by sustainability is much more palpable than environmentalism. And-like it or not-since the business community and the capitalist system in which it operates sets the pace for society at large, acceptance here is crucial for any meaningful impact.
SO HOW DOES THIS PLAY OUT IN THE BUSINESS WORLD?
A random examination of almost any industry vertical will reveal at least one company trying to do things the "right" way. Patagonia and American Apparel provide role models in the apparel industry. Toyota's popular Prius hybrid is leading the way in the automotive world. BP has publicly committed to moving "beyond petroleum. " The Body Shop, Aveda and the upstart Mrs. Meyers are pioneering new techniques in cosmetics and consumer products. Herman Miller and Interface have made very specific commitments in the furniture and textile industries. Organic food is becoming increasingly common in supermarkets. Indeed, many companies now have C-level executives (i.e., chief sustainability officer) in place to account for this fundamental shift in business practice. Hewlett-Packard, Nike, Starbuck's and Ford are but a few companies that have such executives, all of whom are playing a much larger role in guiding corporate strategy. One can find even more meaningful examples by looking into European business practice.

As sustainable issues become more pronounced, other companies have begun to make forays into this territory. One needs only to make a quick comparison of the current Wall Street outlook on two auto manufacturers to understand the motivation they are now experiencing: GM-with its fleet of oversized trucks and SUVs-has just recorded the single largest quarterly loss in corporate history and has seen its stock down-graded to junk bond status. Meanwhile, last year's Toyota Prius is being sold on eBay for more than this year's list price because no one can endure the waiting list necessary to obtain a new one. Additionally, many companies are realizing that sustainability represents good common sense and that using less material, treating fewer toxins and creating less waste is an economic no-brainer.

One of the principle goals of any sustainable initiative should be to get more companies to recognize the inherent value in such behavior, and to alter theirs. For all of the emphasis placed on "innovation," businesses really spend more time looking from side to side, checking out what their competition is doing. Once generally recognized industry practice changes, other companies will follow suit accordingly. With any luck, the business world will eventually undergo the radical change necessary to achieve the "natural capitalism" described by Paul Hawken, author of The Ecology of Commerce.
HOW THIS RELATES TO GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
I should use recycled paper, right? Sure, but that's just the beginning of the discussion. Currently, most designer's concerns around sustainability are centered on the physical manifestation of our own efforts, primarily printed materials. Rightfully so, as printing is a messy business, lumber resources are at a premium and paper accounts for a significant quantity of landfill. But frustration often arises from the fact that designers have no direct control over how printing plants are run, how timber is harvested or what becomes of the end-products after they are distributed. Nonetheless, as the end customers for these paper products and print services, designers do play an influential role in how those businesses conduct themselves. Designers often take for granted that as specifiers, we have a tremendous amount of power over what is available within the design and publishing marketplace; and that as trendsetters and communicators, we have the ability to affect the habits of industries outside of our own.

There are numerous resources available to designers that can provide the knowledge necessary to question supply and service partners. The AIGA Design and Business Ethics Series, Number 7: Print Design and Environmental Responsibility details many of the issues that relate to sustainable printing. Celery Design Collaborative has published an extensive list of environmentally-conscious paper choices (www.aigasf.org/ committees/environment/guide_intro.html), and a similar list was published in Communications Arts ("Eco-Preferable Papers" March/April 2003). A number of FAQs are addressed and some printing myths are debunked on Cenveo Anderson Lithograph's environmental Web site (www.andlitho.com/sustainability). In San Francisco, the bi-annual Compost-modern design conference (www.compostmodern.org) provides a forum for graphic designers to grapple with these issues firsthand. The Greening of Print (www.greeningofprint.com) is an industry sponsored study that addresses sustainable issues within the print and packaging industries. Additionally, sustainability matters are cropping up in design periodicals with increasing frequency.

Reviewing such material is perhaps most constructive when designers realize that we need to get our own house in order before we can effectively question the business practices of others. If we are to be taken seriously, we must first practice what we preach.
BIGGER FISH TO FRY
As important as the artifacts we produce might be, the more significant role that designers have to play involves the communications challenges surrounding sustainability, which is a complicated, multi-faceted issue that has a wide variety of implications for different industry verticals, communities and demographics-and serious consequences for the future. There is an increasing need to explain these issues to a world eager to understand them. Many companies are already addressing sustainability in a variety of print and online communications. Sustainability reports and citizenship reports have become staples in many companies' communication efforts (www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml and www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship). Some companies-such as BP (www.bp.com)-have even restructured their principle branding efforts around sustainable concerns.

To keep track of these changes (and we hope validate their sincerity), there are numerous reporting mechanisms, voluntary governance and business conferences. Triple bottomline reporting-a "people, profits, planet" approach to determining the true "value" of a company-is becoming commonplace at the large accounting houses (i.e., PricewaterhouseCoopers) and admission into the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is a highly-coveted distinction in the investment community (www.sustainability-index.com). Organizations such as The Global Reporting Initiative (www. globalreporting.org) and SustainAbility (www.sustainability.com) supply reporting frameworks, and Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) and the Coalition for Ecologically Responsible Economies (CERES) hold well-attended annual conferences to recognize companies for their sustainable efforts and provide a forum for advancing this agenda (www.bsr.org and www.ceres.org).

So whether it's booming new businesses (hybrid cars, hydrogen), or the changing nature of existing business (solar panels, corporate governance, organic foods) or entirely new demographics to address ( ReadyMade magazine, Organic Living magazine), there is ample subject matter to which designers can apply their efforts.
WATER IS THE NEW OIL
History is littered with unfortunate examples of societies squandering, warring and expiring in the face of diminishing natural resources. Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed Jared Diamond predicts that we will eventually fight wars for the environmental resources that we currently take for granted. On the other side of the political spectrum, recent Pentagon reports cite looming environmental and ecological threats as much larger military concerns than global terrorism. Other books and articles submit a grim vision of the future in which the world struggles to adjust to life without petroleum. So unlike other business fads and buzzword-laden prognostications, sustainability, unfortunately, promises to play an ever-increasing role in our daily lives. Even if designers had nothing more to do than prepare the world for the post-petroleum economy, the notion of "design as a vehicle for social change" is due for a workout. The increasing value that will be placed on the planet's resources ensures that the communications needs associated with their use will continue to rise.

One only need consider our current military boondoggle (and low international regard) to imagine what will happen if we do not address these issues now. In the future, international relations will be even more terse if we do not make adjustments to our current way of life and the business practices associated with it. But how can designers expect to contribute? In the increasing absence of government regulation of such matters, non-government organizations (NGOs) now supply the check on industry that government has traditionally supplied. Many of these organizations would benefit tremendously from the involvement of design professionals. A past campaign by Forest Ethics was responsible for Staples increasing the amount of post-consumer waste in its copier paper. Their current action against Victoria's Secret (www.victoriasdirtysecret.net) and Greenpeace's similar campaign directed at Kimberly-Clark (www.kleercut.net) take those companies to task for their consumption of old-growth forest in their catalogs and paper products. At their best, these organizations also work with companies to develop better solutions to their business goals.
LOOKING AHEAD
Due to all of the implications that sustainability holds, it has been cited as one of the emerging business trends upon which designers would do well to hitch their star. At the recent AIGA GAIN Business and Design conference, Larry Keeley of the Doblin Group listed sustainability as one of his eleven emerging "convergence points" around which future business activity will revolve. Long the niche-oriented concern of environmentalists and activists, sustainability promises to become a mainstream issue. Indeed, it can already be found cropping up in general interest publications (i.e., Time magazine, www.time.com/time/2002/greencentury/enarchitecture.html) and ads touting companies' good behavior. As such, it promises much work for designers-complicated programs and initiatives will need rollout, government and regulatory issues will need to be explained, land use, development and manufacturing protocols will undergo much tighter scrutiny, and a vast array of corporate reporting will need to be performed and then evaluated. As designers continue their ongoing struggle to communicate design's inherent value, sustainability could very well prove to be the crucible in which that promise is fully realized.

A common complaint at many a design conference is that designers are not taken seriously in the business world. Designers want to sit at the adult table. Yet despite the fact that sustainability is fast becoming a top-level business priority, and that it represents a progressive issue for which many designers should be sympathetic-design community awareness currently trails existing business initiatives (and related disciplines such as architecture and industrial design). When looking for examples of "design with a capital D," sustainability holds tremendous potential. Designers like to characterize themselves as problem-solvers. If this is true, then they should have little difficulty inserting themselves in the midst of this crucial emerging business dynamic.
SO WHAT TO DO?
There are a number of steps that designers can take to further their understanding of these issues (and apply their skills accordingly):

* Develop communities of practice. Whether at a local level like Berkeley's Ecology Center, a national level like the McDonough/Braungart affiliated GreenBlue consultancy (www.greenblue.org) and its Sustainable Packaging Coalition (www.sustainablepackaging.org), or internationally through informal Web groups such as the 02 Network (www.02.org)-there are numerous opportunities to find others with whom these issues resonate.

* Engage other disciplines in dialogue on the topic. Don't restrict your time outside of the office to design conferences only; talk to the business community on their own turf. At an international level, executives from Fortune 500 companies turn out in droves for conferences and events such as Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) and the Coalition for Ecologically Responsible Economies (CERES). On a more colloquial level, off-site retreats such as the Ecoshack in Joshua Tree provide low-impact settings for brainstorming (www.ecoshack.com).

* Look to analogous efforts in other industries. After much talk of sustainability in the world of architecture, that field's efforts have crystallized in a concise set of guidelines known as the LEED standards (www.usgbc.org), a certification process that has enabled architects and their suppliers to move from conjecture to implementation at an industry-wide level. In the world of manufacturing, ISO 14000 certification is playing a similar role (www.iso.org).

* Evaluate the communications materials and objectives of your own clients. Some of your own clients may have practices already in place, but are doing nothing to capitalize on their effectiveness. Other clients may be missing opportunities to implement changes in their business, and some businesses may be "greenwashing" (paying lip service to sustainable principles). Do you know where your clients stand on these issues? Can you think ofways to motivate them to change their outlook, or to capitalize on efforts they may already have in place?

* Familiarize yourself with corporate governance issues. Many of the items listed above have evaluation criteria associated with them, and triple bottom line reporting is growing in popularity. Look for opportunities to effect policy-making and advocacy (through AIGA initiatives or otherwise). Designers should recognize that while individual habits are not to be discounted, it is the policies and practices of institutions and governments that have the more profound impact.

* Prioritize your efforts. Familiarize yourself with sustainability's basic principles so that you understand which things matter and which things do not. Consumer habits do play a part, but in ways that most people do not realize. For instance, the decision to buy an energy-efficient refrigerator dwarfs any of the typical "paper vs plastic" or "cloth vs disposable" decisions that typically prey on the mind of most consumers. Hammering people on issues of little consequence leaves them too weary or indifferent to care when it really matters.

* Channel your nonprofit efforts into designer activism and socially-responsible projects. Like the aforementioned Forest Ethics campaigns, there are numerous nonprofits in need of designer assistance. There are also grants and foundations, such as Sappi's Ideas That Matter (www.sappi.com), that can be utilized to create or assist new endeavors.

* Seize the opportunity to put a new face on a hoary old movement. The hemp clad, patchouli-soaked environmentalism of my hometown Berkeley isn't going to play in Peoria. Sustainability and environmentalism are in desperate need of a makeover. Seattle's Sustainable Style Foundation (www. sustainablestyle.org/home.html) is doing their best in the world of fashion, but there is much work to be done to make sustainability attractive for the masses.

* Stick a toe in the water. Ask some questions, provide some feedback, toss out some ideas of your own. The amount of dialogue on the topic is growing; find a way to participate in it.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
There is an urgency attached to sustainability. All of the world's living systems are in rapid decline while the population continues to grow at a steady clip. In fact, many would argue that the measures discussed in this article are not sufficient, that a more radical reconstruction of society is in order. On the other hand, some people feel as though designers should not be held responsible for solving these issues, that it's just too much. But if designers aren't going to play a part, then who is? Couldn't everyone beg out of this if they wanted to?

Sustainability represents nothing less than a fundamental shift in how business is conducted; designers need to recognize their potential role in this shift and seize the opportunity it presents. A recent cover of Dwell magazine (June 2005) reminds us that "good design comes from constraints." Rather than looking at sustainability as a set of restrictions or as an impediment to good ideas, designers must embrace it as a source of inspiration and a challenge to be met with gusto. ca
FURTHER READING
Bendrick, Lou. "Queer Eye for the Green Guy." Utne Reader. May-June 2005.

Brower, Michael and Warren Leon. The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices. Three Rivers Press, I999.

Diamond, Jared. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. Viking, 2004.

Hawken, Paul. The Ecology of Commerce. Harper Collins, I993.

Hawken, Paul, and Amory Lovins and L. Hunter Lovins. Natural Capitalism. Little, Brown & Company, I999.

Roberts, Paul. The End of Oil. Harper Collins, 2003.

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Sustainability and Graphic Design | Communication Arts

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The issue of sustainability-in its various incarnations-has been appearing with increasing frequency wherever graphic design is discussed. Despite its relative importance, few designers have a clear understanding of what the word and its attendant concepts actually mean, while fewer still can relate it to their everyday business practice or understand the implications it holds for their future.

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Reflective Blog - Sustainability project

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Reflective Blog - Sustainability project

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What are your first impressions of the project?

Unlike the first project, this project research focus that is nature and the Earth. This is difficult and challenging because we learned a lot of professional languages about environment , like "upcycling" "fast fashion"

What have you learned so far?

Sustainability means finding ways to meet today’s needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." Environmental protection and sustainability are important topics for the future of humanity.

What did you find difficult to understand?

In business, how can we ensure that people are truly making efforts for the sustainability of the Earth rather than just for making money?

What are your thoughts on sustainability in your own industry?

In graphic design, we can use environmentally friendly materials, design themes that protect the environment, and use AI technology to hold online design exhibitions (without physical products), etc.

Do you think this will be a challenging project?

Yes, I think this is a social issue. We need to think deeply about profound issues (such as human development and technology), but at the same time, we must also pay attention to people's lives.

What could you research?

I don't have a very exactly answer. So far, I have been more interested in graphic design works, buildings and interactive installations, and micro films related to sustainability (such as some episodes of Love, Death & Robots and Black Mirror).