8.2 Sustainable Consumption

Design

Sustainable consumption

The consumption of goods and services with minimal environmental impact, promote social equity and are economic viable, while meeting basic human needs worldwide. Not necessarily about consuming less but about consuming differently, to reduce environmental impact of a solution.

Designers must consider

where the solution will be produced, consumed and disposed, as consumerism makes up an important part of the economy-often leads to overconsumption (Fast-fashion).

Ways Sustainable consumption can be executed

Only buying food that will be eaten (reducing food waste), through efficient water and energy usage (turning off lights and taking showers over baths) and fixing/repairing broken products.

Sustainable Design

The decisions that take place during the design process that prioritize the sustainability of the design and user experience for the whole lifecycle of the product.

Sustainable Production

Implementing sustainable production strategies to minimize, mitigate or eliminate negative environmental impacts from production.

Consumer attitudes towards sustainability

Eco-warriors, eco-champions, eco-fans, eco-phobes

Eco-warriors

Those who actively demonstrate on environmental issues, they actively protest against anything harming the environment. Organizations like Greenpeace support these actions. Ex: Throwing paint against fur coats or protesting against deforestation.

Eco-champions

Champion environmental issues within organizations, by introducing positive green/environmental changes as they fight/argue against a cause. Ex: Actors or producers making films to educate people on environmental crisis.

Eco-fan

Those that enthusiastically adopt environmentally friendly practices, they accept new green designs and environmental tech advances in the market, and will rarely if ever consciously purchase an environmentally harmful product.

Eco-phobes

Are individuals who actively resent talk of environmental protection. They are completely against helping sustainable practices as they are in denial of their importance. Ex: leaders who are unwilling to sign eco-agreements like the kyoto protocal.

Eco-labelling

The labelling of products to demonstrate that they are better for the environment than other products. Ex: organic, no preservatives, no artificial flavoring

What information do labels provide

provide information about the product´s environmental impact, where it was manufactured, distributed and disposed, allowing consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing goods.

Eu Eco-label

An official certification awarded to products that meet high environmental standards throughout its life cycle. It evaluates strict criteria: energy efficiency, water usage, pollution, and reduction and waste management

The Green Seal

A non profit organization who pioneered the eco-labeling movement as a mission to transform the economy for a healthier, and greener world. It´s mark is a universal symbol of sustainability and environmental responsibility, recognized across various industries.

Geca Australia

Good environmental choice label that has been assessed by an independent third party and met robust environmental, human health and social impact criteria.

Eco-labelling advantages

Trustworthy, it makes choices easier for consumers, it helps manufacturers differentiate themselves in the market.

Eco-labelling disadvantages

Many different labels can confuse consumers, and confusing standards can undermine genuinely eco-friendly products, manufacturers may also make misleading claims about a label.

Energy Label

The labelling of products to show how energy efficient they are, its main focus is on energy efficiency and energy consumption.

Information displaced by an energy label

Products details, energy classification, measurements related to consumption, efficiency and capacity and the noise emitted when that product is in use.

A strong market for sustainable products can be created through

pricing considerations, long-term costs, stimulating demand for green products and the production of green products.

Pricing considerations

Consumers need to be able to see the value for the money of the product.

Long-term costs

Consumers may consider a higher initial investment if they see a long-term financial benefit. Ex: electric cars may be more expensive but it may be cheaper than buying petrol.

Stimulating demands for green products

Consumers need to be informed about the benefits of a sustainable product, as the want the same or better quality for a similar price, so companies must promote these benefits clearly.

Production of green products

Using TBL strategies to utilize sustainable production methods, they may have to implement radical changes like end-of-pipe, or consider JIT manufacturing strategy to manage material and waste.

Pressure groups

A group of individuals who share a common interest or viewpoint towards a topic. They will often use social media platforms to promote positive change , building up trust with consumers on an international scale.

Pressure groups advantages

holds corporations accountable for their promises, costs are reduced in the long-term, and the link between governments, corporations and consumers are much more responsive.

Pressure group disadvantages

old products may become obsolete, costs put onto the manufacturer, policies can be changed so political power can be changed, but it can constrain designers creativity and limit innovation.

Lifecycle consumerism

social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in even greater amounts.

Ethical consumerism

The practice of consciously purchasing products that have been produced in a way that minimizes social and environmental damage

Take back legislation

Laws that require manufacturers to manage the disposal and recycling of products once they are no longer in use, promoting sustainable waste management practices.