The ODO eco-design toolkit has been updated for 2008. Now with 10% more ideas and resources for practical action, these time-tested kits include worksheets and forms that are just what the eco-minded graphic designer needs to make sustainable design part of their everyday practice. So check 'em out, download the PDFs, and start creating those eco-minded projects! Whether you are a student or a professional, be sure to send us images and stories of your results to share with others.
Now you can get green from home! Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is offering an online Sustainable Design program that includes workshops and courses that cover theory, tools and techniques. Take one or two offerings to update your skills or go for the certificate in sustainable design (18 credits).
“MCAD's Sustainable Design Online program offers a great way to gain in-depth, actionable knowledge that keeps you and your organization at the forefront of this exploding field. The courses are applicable for anyone involved in graphic, packaging and product design, including designers, brand managers, product planners, buyers and executives.”
Winter/Spring classes begin January 14, February 18 and March 31.
> go to MCAD (mcad.edu/showPage.php?status=1&pageID=1311)
Looking for like-minded designers? Maybe there’s an AIGA Green Design Salon in your area. AIGA’s Center for Sustainable Design is encouraging chapters around the country to develop eco-design forums for members to discuss sustainable design issues. To find out if more, or to check to see if there is a salon near you, click on the link below.
> go to AIGA (sustainability.aiga.org/green_design_salons_1)
Today the United Nations (U.N.) released a report warning that environment degradation is rapidly reaching the point of no return. The U.N. sites increasing human populations and over consumption as key drivers.
Climate change, the rate of extinction of species, and the challenge of feeding a growing population are putting humanity at risk, the United Nations Environment Program said in its fourth Global Environmental Outlook since 1997.
“The human population is now so large that the amount of resources needed to sustain it exceeds what is available at current consumption patterns,” Achim Steiner, the executive director of the Environment Program, said in a telephone interview.
> U.N. Warns of Rapid Decay of Environment. The New York Times
We are pleased to report that ODO and themightyodo.com are included in HOW Magazine’s “For the Greener Good” article which hit the bookstore shelves in August. The article, which appears on page 79, is part of their “The Future of Design” themed issue. Written by Roberta Cruger, the article takes a look at the current state and near future of environmentalism in graphic design. The ODO eco-design toolkits were included as a resource to help designer “create eco-friendly projects.” Cruger also lists many good strategies that designers can easily implement to make a difference.
Marty McDonald, founder of egg, a brand communications agency specializing in sustainable brands presented this primer on green branding at the “100 Things Designers Can Do To Save The Earth” workshop. Originally held May 30th 2007 by the School of Visual Concepts in Seattle, the workshop focused on practical ways graphic designers could make a positive impact in their daily work. Check out the “Confessions of a green branding professional” presentation under the speakers presentations header (see link below).
> go to 100 things... (http://onehundredthings.wordpress.com)
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), an industry working group inspired by cradle to cradle principles and dedicated to transforming packaging into a system that encourages economic prosperity and a sustainable flow of materials, has just released their long-awaited Packaging Design Guidelines. The guidelines were developed as a “comprehensive design guidance resource for packaging designers and developers. The guidance provides a framework to approach sustainable packaging design; it also outlines various design strategies and reference materials.” The Packaging Design Guidelines are available to non-members for a nominal fee. See the link below to begin the transformation.
> http://www.packagingdigest.com/newsite/InfoChannel/info_sustainable_form.php
We recently came across a 1000 word sustainable design manifesto by Allan Chochinov, (Core77) on Worldchanging.com. While, as the author states, “I don't like the word manifesto. It reeks of dogma and rules—two things I instinctively reject...”, we at ODO feel it certainly gets the conversation on the future of design rolling quick.
Should designers have the equivalent of a Hippocratic oath to "first do no harm"? Should sustainability be taught early in school? How can design evolve from its historic “anthropocentric worldview” to a systemic one?...
> go to manifesto (www.worldchanging.com/archives/006469.html)
Get your green on with the ODO eco-design toolkit. These time-tested kits include worksheets and resources devised specifically to aid graphic designers in the creation of eco-friendly projects!
The operatives are happy to announce the launch of our redesigned website. The new format was created to give up-front access to the latest news and features, give us much needed flexibility, and just make it tons more fun. Be sure to check out the ODO forum in the “dialogue” section where you can pick the collective brain. Stop back soon for the opening of the “fruits” online store featuring operative-designed goods.
Soak it up and let us know what you think.
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> learn more about Windsource®