Journal

1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

Including and offering an option for eco-friendly materials is something we (as a design studio) have influence over. This could include but not limited to introducing options for recycled paper, exploring alternatives to toxic inks (perhaps biodegradable inks for print projects) or long-life products such as keep cups to replace single-use takeaway cups. This is only part of the process, as we would need to be partnering with our suppliers we could look to establish printing techniques which can use less energy and produce less waste or work with partners who are focused on using renewable energy.

Case Study: Patagonia

Patagonia uses recycled materials in their products and packaging. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their marketing materials, which are designed with eco-friendly practices in mind. For example, Patagonia’s catalogues are printed on 100% recycled paper with non-toxic inks, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

2. Implementing Green Design Principles

Incorporating green design principles at a project’s inception. This could involve our team taking into consideration the full lifecycle of what we are producing / designing, taking into account the end-of-life stage for whatever we produce; where will it end up. We think, where possible, [with clients’ endorsement] we can create a checklist for everything we produce to ensure that [1] it can be recycled, [2] is it biodegradable, and [3] can it be repurposed in the long term is essential.

Case Study: Nike

Nike is striving to use 100% reclaimed plastic waste from the ocean in their running shoes. Initially, Nike faced a drop in share price and sales when they shifted to more sustainable materials, but their perseverance has led to a successful integration of eco-friendly practices in their product lines. The company’s “Move to Zero” initiative is a clear demonstration of their commitment to sustainability.

3. Encouraging Economic Rewards

Millennials seek eco-friendly and tech-savvy features, and they desire a balance between work and leisure spaces. Highlighting sustainability initiatives, smart home technology, and flexible working environments will resonate with this group. Messaging should also include the value of experiences and the integration of wellness features.

Attaching tangible economic rewards to sustainable initiatives can help reinforce good and repeat behaviours. For example, cafes that offer discounted coffee products for customers who bring their own cups encourage sustainable practices.

Case Study: Into Coffee

A large number of cafes offer discounts to customers who bring their own reusable cups. This simple incentive not only promotes eco-friendly behaviour but also helps reduce the number of disposable cups used, thus lessening environmental impact. We were impressed with the initiatives from Into Coffee, [situated in Collingwood] who have established an ethos of Zero Waste. They have considered their impact and go one step further by offering edible takeaway cups for those customers who forget or don’t have a keep cup handy.

4. Transparent Supply Chain

Understanding where your product and materials come from and where they will end up can be challenging. Fully comprehending the supply chain requires deep collaboration with production partners and a solid grasp of available materials to ensure that the product’s end-of-life has minimal environmental impact.

Case Study: IKEA

IKEA has overhauled its supply chain to ensure that materials for their products are responsibly, sustainably, and conflict-free sourced. Their dedication to transparency and sustainability is evident in their commitment to using renewable and recycled materials in their products. IKEA’s approach ensures that they contribute positively to the environment throughout the product life cycle.

5. Prioritising Digital Solutions

Emphasising digital media and content over print can significantly reduce waste. Designers can create digital brochures, e-books, and online portfolios instead of physical copies. Interactive PDFs and web-based documents can replace traditional printed materials, minimising paper use.

Case Study: Hali

Lets put this into practice:For our” HALI” property project in Dromana, Samuel Property and Studio White Noise are consciously looking to avoid any waste where we can. By implementing a “digital first” strategy, we are hoping to minimise our impact on the local environment in Dromana. By remaining digitally focused,  we are hoping for reduced carbon outputs and minimal waste. What are we trialling:

• Creating community centric and relevant assets that clients and the general public can reused
• Confidence that all print collateral or materials are recyclable
• Map out the lifecycle of our materials; where they were sourced from and where they will end up (hopefully not landfill)

We are excited to begin this eco-era journey with the backing our friends at Samuel Property, giving “Hali” its very own eco-persona, with the campaign serving as a trial to see how we can begin divorcing property from wasteful practices.

As a design studio, we think we can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability. By adopting these practices, we hope we can contribute to a more sustainable future and showing that it can be done.

Join us in our eco-era journey and together perhaps we can make a difference!