Design, Spin, and “Greenwashing”

via e-mail from Roland

Have we gone wrong, design people? The New York Times’ article, Be It Ever So Homespun, There’s Nothing Like Spin muses on the design analog of what Michael Pollan described as “supermarket pastoral”—dressing up industrially-produced certified organic foods with green meadows and happy cows so we can feel good about our food choices. And here I thought we were only supposed to use the power of design for good.

Ignore, for the moment, the debate about the benefits (or not) of Big Organic vs. the accessibility (or not) of Sustainable Agriculture. Instead, check out the There’s Nothing Like Spin article to see how design influences the hearts and minds of supermarket shoppers.

Okay, back to my Natural Cheetos.

Is it sustainable design?

via AIGA Center for Sustainable Design:

Eleven questions to ask before you design, specify, or buy anything:

1. Do we need it? Can we live without it?


2. Is the project designed to minimize waste?


3. Can it be smaller, lighter, or made from fewer materials?


4. Is it designed to be durable or multi-functional?


5. Does it use renewable resources?


6. Is reuse practical and encouraged?


7. Are the product and packaging refillable, recyclable, or repairable?


8. Is it made with post-consumer recycled or reclaimed materials and how much?


9. Are the materials available in a less toxic form? Can it be made with less toxic materials?


10. Is it available from a socially and environmentally responsible company?


11. Is it made locally?