OUGD601 | Packaging Research - 'How many people can our planet really support?' - Online article BBC

·      BBC (2016) How many people can our planet really support? By Vivien Cumming. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/story /20160311-how-many-people-can-our-planet-really-support. (Accessed: 31st December 2017).

• "It is not the number of people on the planet that is the issue – but the number of consumers and the scale and nature of their consumption," says David Satterthwaite, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Environment and Development in London. He quotes Gandhi: "The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed." 
• "It is not the number of people on the planet that is the issue – but the number of consumers and the scale and nature of their consumption."
• Citizens of more affluent nations leave a much greater footprint on our planet than people living in poorer countries – although there are exceptions. Copenhagen is the capital of a high-income nation – Denmark – while Porto Alegre is in upper-middle-income Brazil. Living standards are high in both cities, yet per capita emissions are relatively low.
• "People living in high-income nations must play their part if the world is to sustain a large human population."
• The real concern would be if the people living in these areas decided to demand the lifestyles and consumption rates currently considered normal in high-income nations; something many would argue is only fair. If they do, the impact of urban population growth could be much larger.
• This leads to an uncomfortable implication: people living in high-income nations must play their part if the world is to sustain a large human population. Only when wealthier groups are prepared to adopt low-carbon lifestyles, and to permit their governments to support such a seemingly unpopular move, will we reduce the pressure on global climate, resource and waste issues.
• "If we change our consumption habits, this would have a drastic effect on our environmental footprint as well."
• The analysis showed that household consumers are responsible for more than 60% of the globe's greenhouse gas emissions, and up to 80% of the world's land, material and water use. What's more, the researchers found that the footprints are unevenly distributed across regions, with wealthier countries generating the most impacts per household.
• For instance, consumers in the west might argue that countries that produce many consumer goods, such as China, should take responsibility for the emissions needed to make them. Ivanova and her colleagues argue the consumers themselves are just as responsible. "If we change our consumption habits, this would have a drastic effect on our environmental footprint as well."
• "Creating a sustainable population is as much about boosting women's rights as it is about reducing consumption of resources."
• "Earth is our only home and we must find a way to live on it sustainably."

OUGD601 | Sustainable Food Packaging Practical - Rationale/Synthesis

Synthesis for ‘is Sustainability in food packaging actually Sustainable?’

In the essay ‘Is Sustainability in food packaging actually sustainable?’ investigates if food packaging is truly eco-friendly to the environment. The research conducted in this essay clarifies how some food packaging is somewhat sustainable, and while some have limitations. Sustainable packaging is generally produced from sustainable materials using energy from renewable sources. In this consumer society, many products are sold with some form of packaging. From researching why not all food products have not altered into sustainable packaging is depending on what content is inside the product. Typically consumer’s foods must be able to maintain its quality and freshness. By alternating the packaging to a more eco-design can decrease the expiry date, causing this to become an issue. These type of food needs packaging that contain more than one layers of materials, this can protect and also preserve food, thus indicating challenges in terms of recycling.

Although the above is a matter, there are many alternative methods and materials to approach the sustainable procedures. These methods are of biodegradable, recyclable, edible, re-usable, multi-use and compostable materials. However, even though sustainable packaging is address in society, many consumers do not follow the sustainable approach. This is either to do with, if they know how and what to recycle, which materials can recycle, and some are just careless. In addition, there is a complication with both packaging and food waste. In food packaging the substance that is contained by the packaging cannot be recycle as the remaining food is left on the material. Some of these food substances can be washed off, however consumers are reluctant to clean off the remaining food

When researching, the book by Aaris Sherin. ‘Sustainble: A Handboook of Materials and Applications for Graphic Design and Their Clients’ page 22. The subject is based on the two authors and theorist, William McDonaugh and Michael Braungart proposed that proposed that products should be designed so that after their useful lives are over they can provide "nourishment" for something new. The authors see flawed design models rather than consumption as the most pressing problem. The authors believe in attitudes such as ‘less is more’ and importantly ‘Waste equals food’. The phrase ‘Waste equals food’ is the matter of the practical work that will be produce. For instance, ready-made sandwiches are highly popular as they are quick and convenient for consumers for purchase and eat. Despite, most sandwich packaging is made out paper, there is a plastic sleeve that is not recycle. Overall, by creating a sustainable packaging, which is able to recycle both material and food, waste will be efficient. Overall, the practical will conduct of producing a sustainable sandwich packaging that can be decompose and turn into a plant. For instance, the whole packaging is made out of paper and seeds. Once the sandwich is finished the paper with the seeds can be planted it will transform into a plant over time. Thus this conducts a cycle of ‘death, birth, and life’ and no food or material is wasted.

OUGD601 | Packaging Research - 'Humans consume more than planet can produce on ‘Earth Overshoot Day’. Online Website, Euronews

Euronews (2013) Humans consume more than planet can produce on ‘Earth Overshoot Day’. Available at http://www.euronews.com/2013/08/20/humans-consume-more-than-planet-can-produce-on-earth-overshoot-day. 

• There are only so many natural resources the earth can supply and today we’ve gone over our annual limit.
• Earth Overshoot Day is the point in the year when humans have used as much nature, such as land, trees and fish, as the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate.
According to figures sourced by the Global Footprint Network, an independent think tank based in the United States, Switzerland, and Belgium, the first time that human consumption outstripped the planet’s capability to produce was December 29 1970. Since then the date has been creeping forward each year.
• The UK consumes and produces waste at a rate three and a half times greater than it can sustain.

OUGD601 | Packaging Research - 'Thinking Consumption: Consumers and the Future of Sustainability.' Online Report

GlobeScan (2012) Re: Thinking Consumption: Consumers and the Future of Sustainability. Available at  https://globescan.com/regeneration-consumer-study-finds-consumers-buying-less-and-buying-better/.

• Finds that consumers are rethinking consumption with sustainability in mind.
• According to The Regeneration Consumer Study, two-thirds of consumers in six countries say that “as a society, we need to consume a lot less to improve the environment for future generations” (66%), and that they feel “a sense of responsibility to purchase products that are good for the environment and society” (65%).
• The affinity toward sustainable consumption is being led by consumers in developing markets (Brazil, China, India), who are more than twice as likely as their counterparts in developed markets (Germany, UK, US) to report purchasing products because of environmental and social benefits (51% to 22%, respectively), being willing to pay more for sustainable products (60% to 26%) and encouraging others to buy from companies that are socially and environmentally responsible (70% to 34%).
• However, significant barriers to sustainable purchasing remain for consumers across all markets, including perceptions of product performance, high prices, skepticism about product claims and a lack of knowledge about what makes a product socially or environmentally responsible.
• “Consumers are seeking brands that can improve their own lives while creating a more sustainable economy that can benefit all,” said Raphael Bemporad, Co-Founder of brand innovation consultancy BBMG. “While there is strong interest in purchasing more sustainable products, perceptions around price, performance and skepticism about product claims remain top barriers to action.”
• The Regeneration Consumer Study shows sustainability is fast becoming a key factor when it comes to consumers’ purchasing decisions, yet there are still barriers that need to be addressed,” said Kelly M. Semrau, Chief Sustainability Officer, at SC Johnson.
• “We believe understanding people’s aspirations around consumerism and sustainability is an important area of inquiry,” said Ursula Mathar, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Protection, at BMW Group. “This topic requires a great deal more understanding in order to increase sustainable consumption, which is why BMW Group supports The Regeneration Consumer Study.”
• Key Findings from the Regeneration Consumer Study:
• Consuming Less, Consuming Better: While 66% of consumers across the six countries surveyed believe in consuming less, the pattern varies across markets, with 76% of consumers in developing markets and 57% in developed markets being inclined to believe that “as a society, we need to consume a lot less to improve the environment for future generations.” Similarly, consumers in emerging markets are much more likely than consumers in developed markets to “feel a sense of responsibility to purchase products that are good for the environment and society” (82% to 49%, respectively).
• Shifting Perceptions: Views on Price, Performance and Credibility Most Frequently Undermine Sustainable Purchasing: A majority of consumers globally agree or strongly agree that they would “purchase more products that are environmentally and socially responsible” if they “performed as well as, or better than, products they usually buy” (75%), “it didn’t cost more” (70%), “companies’ health and environmental claims were more believable” (64%), they “had a better understanding of what makes products environmentally or socially responsible” (63%), or they “could see environmental or social benefits of the products right away” (63%). Price is the top barrier to green purchasing in developed markets (78%) while product performance (74%) is the top barrier in developing markets along with needing “a better understanding of what makes products socially and environmentally responsible” (72%).
• Collaboration and Participation – Being Part of the Solution: Two-thirds of consumers globally (67%) are “interested in sharing their ideas, opinions and experiences with companies to help them develop better products or create new solutions,” while seven in ten consumers (72%) globally “believe in voting and advocating for issues important to me.”
• “With the Regeneration Consumer Study, our goal is to bring the consumer voice into the sustainability conversation and help articulate specific decisions and actions that companies can take to accelerate and grow a more sustainable economy,” said Eric Whan, GlobeScan’s Director of Sustainability. “With data-driven ideas, we want to help companies make the business case for sustainable development and advance the creation and deployment of more sustainable products, policies and practices.”
• “Our economy and natural environment are facing unprecedented stresses as scarce resources are stretched to meet growing needs,” said Mark Lee, Executive Director at SustainAbility. “Through the Regeneration Consumer Study, we are revealing how consumer attitudes, behaviors and collaboration can help enterprising brands as they work to innovate smarter, safer, cleaner and greener solutions.”

OUGD601 | Packaging Research - 'Design - Public institutions graphic design' by unknown

Unknown 'Chapter ? 'Design....

OUGD601 | Sustainable Food Packaging Practical - The Brief

The Brief

It is best to commence the brief, by researching the about successful and unsuccessful sustainable food packaging designs and the issue with current food productions. This will indicated and unify the most common issues between the packaging and food policy. 
By considering current eco-friendly food packaging by: what materials and functions is used to make it recyclable? Which recyclable methods are the most common to use? Changing attitudes of consumers consumption and habits? Investigating which type of food gets dispose of the most? Discovering from research a possible new strategy that can tackle the limitations of food packaging. Is it the process of making the food packaging which is causing challenges? Further using the 'Double Diamond' model to structure the formula on how a product is made from the beginning to the end of its life cycle. 


Below - 'The Brief'

OUGD601 | Sustainable Food Packaging Practical - Initial ideas & design work for environmentally friendly sandwich packs

Sustainable sandwich packaging ideas

1. Design - 5 initial ideas
2. Design - Website with rotational gif | Inspire by website 'It's Nice That.'
3. Design - Homemade recycling paper for sandwich packaging

Logo designs - Inspired by Ampersand (&)

Feedback

• Logos are a bit too illustrative for children to understand - should be more minimalistic and simple for them to remember.
• Stick with organic elements - animals are not so good (connotations of killing them to eat). 
• Illustrations are really nice for children, maybe just stick to food, vegetable, organic drawings. 
• Colours should be resemble nature and organic food - green, brown, sandwich colours. 

Sketches of redesigned Ampersand (&)

• Logos look better - the ampersand looks similar to a sandwich.
• Illustration of food are very simple - still a bit illustrative - maybe just repeat the name of the sandwich for the packaging. 

Types of Organic Sandwiches flavours

• Egg and watercress
• Cheese and onion 
• Prawn and mayonnaise (cocktail) 

Target Audience

• Children - school lunches.
• Educates and healthy diet about the environment and sustainability.

Production of the sustainable packaging in use

• Web - GIF (on nice coloured background - nice and bright!)
• Wrapped sandwich (with sticker clear)
• Eating sandwich bit by bit
• Breaking up paper - and painting it
• Plant growing

Practical Inspiration of logo design:
http://www.zeug.fr/shop/618j4b3rdcs1yw14hyuvax6rdioij6-9l2d9-y2zyk

OUGD601 | Packaging Research - 'Marks Men: An Interview With Ivan Chermayeff, Tom Geismar, and Sagi Haviv of Chermayeff & Geismar.' - Aaron Kenedi

Marks Men: An Interview With Ivan Chermayeff, Tom Geismar, and Sagi Haviv of Chermayeff & Geismar - by: Aaron Kenedi | September 14th, 2011

Kenedi, Aaron. 'Marks Men: An Interview With Ivan Chermayeff, Tom Geismar, and Sagi Haviv of Chermayeff & Geismar.' Printmag.com, September 14th, 2011.

http://www.printmag.com/featured/marks-men-an-interview-with-ivan-chermayeff-tom-geismar-and-sagi-haviv-of-chermayeff-geismar-2/

Book

Chermayeff, Ivan & Geismar, Tom & Havlv, Sagi. 'Identify: Problems of Identity Design and Chermayeff & Geismar's Timeless Approach to Solving Them.' How Books; 1st Edition edition, 25th November 2011

Focus on - Ivan Chermayeff as an example of a designer (quoted in an interview), that clearly claims no responsibility.

Thus connecting to how clients/consumers are not responsible to harming the sustainable development of the environment. 

• Ivan Chermayeff - 'Good graphic design is not tarnished by the greed or the illegal or other self-imploding acts of clients. We do not feel responsible for the character of those we work for. Good design should follow looking into the products and reputation of clients who approach you, but this does not mean you have to follow them into bed.'
• Sagi Haviv - 'When we create a great logo for an environmental organization, we do not see ourselves as saving the planet. In the same way, we cannot take responsibility for the “evil” actions of corporations we brand. All we can hope is that by doing good work for visible companies and organizations, we can have some positive effect on the visual environment.'
• Tom Geismar - 'But we don’t feel that doing work for a particular client means that we have “vouched for them.” Obviously we have no say over what they may or may not do in the future, and in any case what people think of a company or institution is determined by their experience with and the actions of that entity, and has little to do with the logo. Should Paul Rand have some measure of responsibility for the Enron debacle?'

OUGD601 | Packaging Research - 'Hippie Modernism: The Struggle for Utopia.' by by Andrew Blauvelt, Greg Castillo

Blauvelt, Andrew & Castillo, Grey. 'Hippie Modernism: The Struggle for Utopia.' Distributed Art Publishers; 01 edition. 11th February 2016

OUGD601 | Packaging Research - 'Graphic Design : A User's Manual' by Adrian Shaughnessy & Michael Bierut

Shaughnessy, Adrian & Bierut, Michael. 'Graphic Design: A User's Manual.' Laurence King; 01 edition. 19th October 2009

Green Design page. 129, 130 & 131

• Green design - 'as designers we have to accept our share of the blame for the causes of environmental damage. And yet, as designers we are often not fully in control the work we do. It is our clients who call the shots. So is it even possible to be a green designer? Yes, but it's not easy.' 
• 'Today many designers do not recognise the importance of adopting a green approach.'
• 'Designers do not fell sympathy for the green cause.'
• 'There are plenty of designers that are acutely sensitive to environmental questions - their views 'there's not much I can do.' 
• 'Increasingly clear if designers want to be green, they have to integrate green practices into their work in the same fundamental way that creativity.' 
• 'Graphic designers, have to accept responsibility and not hide behind design's apparent junior status.' 
• 'The situation is more difficult by the fact that the economic of professional graphic design.' 
• 'Overwhelmingly dependant on clients constantly driving up consumption by offering new products and services.' 
• 'So, does achieving a green planet mean we have to stop the wheels of commerce.' 
• 'Green is the colour of the shining future.'
• 'Most professions are ahead go graphic design in the adoption of sustainability practices.' 
• 'accusations of 'greenwashing' - green strategies is so rapid that graphic design runs the risk of being left behind.' 
• 'Many clients who have green purchasing policies. feature of public sector tendering that suppliers must meet sustainability criteria.' example health and safety.
• What does it mean to be a green designer? 
• Sophie Thomas partnered with Kristine Matthews is a London-based design group called thomas. matthews. It was formed in 1997, the studio has an unapologetic approach to green issues. 
• 'thomas. matthews believes in two things: good design and sustainability. 
• thomas. matthews list 10 ways which they design to fight climate change: 1) Re-thinking, 2) Re-using, 3) Using friendly materials, 4) saving energy, 5) sharing new ideas, 6) designing to last, 7) staying local & buying ethical, 8) supporting what we believe, 9) inspiring, having fun, 10) saving money. 
• Thomas advises designers to clean up their own backyard, 'you cannot preach if you do not practice,' 'cycle to work, switch to green energy suppliers, sort your rubbish and get recycled'. 
• Thomas urges designers to become 'agents for change'. She urges us to: 'Re-design the way you design. This comes under two categories; logical and lateral.
• 'The writer John Thackara also notify that designers have to start early. His book 'In the Bubble.' he writes 'If the so-called green design approach (better known in the United States as "design for the environment") has a limitation, it is that it intervenes at the "end of the pipe". 
• But to raise green matters wit short-sighted employer and clients we need to do research, and accumulate evidence to demonstrate that there is another way. 
• Clients who don't want to know about green issues are worse than clients who don't want good design. 
• But there's an era where designers have a special responsibility. This is the activity that has become known as 'greenwashing' - the process whereby corporations and other bodies pretend to have a green ethos in order to make themselves appear environmentally responsible. 
•  Greenwashing - there are companied who wave the green flag and pretend to be green, when in reality they do nothing, Graphic designers are the first people companies turn to, to help create the illusion of greenness, when businesses do this it's called 'greenwashing', and it leaves a bitter taste when we encounter it.'