If there is a mass population that can minimize over consumption than why not solve the problem? In Contemporary Expression, it states different projects and approaches for design activism. Fuad-Luke thinks that the change needs to start with the designers, he has a point, but I believe that our country’s population can be redirected into a new sustainable path. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s end-of-2011 estimate the United States will enter 2012 with a population of roughly 312.8 million people. It is critical to have a large scale of impact and positive change. Design activism can either be something that has a positive outcome of practice in your life or academia.
After brainstorming different ways to make the US more sustainable, I began to compare other countries practices versus ours. Germany is considered one of the “greenest” countries in the world because of their environmental laws to reuse and recycle packaging. Italy has instated laws that require the recycling of any items that can be re-used. These laws are now so strict in Italian society that it is just as serious as any other harmful crime, and will be punished as so. From recycling products to conserving electricity and air conditioning, Italy’s attempt to redirect their practice is transforming perceptions of sustainability worldwide. My design concept would be directed toward consumers in the United States. Forcing over consumers to reuse and recycle by implementing environmental laws will urgently change their behavior. The law will have to start state by state and then eventually a federal law. This concept is a way to make the United States make positive changes and transform their perceptions of living a sustainable life.
The most important thing that I learned from this course was how consumers and the apparel industry impact our environment. I really enjoyed reading and watching videos to see some of the sustainable ideas that designers are implementing and using today. Now that I know more about what I can do to help just as a consumer and being in this industry. When I do get a job, I can shoot out ideas to maybe help that company be more sustainable in whatever they do. Also, as a consumer stop wasting and reuse things that don’t need to be wasted. I would like to learn more about what other designers are doing to be more sustainable in the apparel industry through their designs or production process.
Margaret, I definitely agree that there should be a law to recycle for the United States to recycle because there are still so many people who do not take that time, and it really does not take that much time to put a recyclable in a different bin. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteMaggie, I am with you and Maegen on the fact that a law for recycling should come into play in the United States. I think that everyone would benefit from it and it would be a positive for our nation. Germany is also the healthiest country in the world, maybe this is due to them being the "greenist" country. We learned about that in our International Textiles course. Your blog is very informative and very interesting this week! Great idea and great post!
ReplyDeleteI think that it's sad that laws need to be required in order to get people to recycle, that people won't do it on their own. However, I think that if people won't do it on their own that it is a necessary measure. Especially since enforcing recycling as a law has proven to be successful in other countries. Great research, thanks for sharing!
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