SEE No Evil: AIGA LA Parties Green

Attendees learned about new efforts that are affecting change in communication design and the built environment. Alternative food and beverage choices were available to sample, providing catering options designers might consider for their next meeting or event.

The evening was also educational, featuring informative talks from three field experts who addressed some of the most pressing issues today’s designers face.

Joy Evans of Mohawk Fine Papers discussed the impact of paper manufacturing on the environment, what certification really means, and how Mohawk is future-proofing its paper production and distribution in order to protect the environment.

Phil Hamlett of the AIGA Center for Sustainable Design gave an insightful presentation about how to implement green design practices in one’s own business, while giving voice to these efforts through client branding and communication projects.

Finally, Cisco Pinedo, founder of Cisco Home and host of the event, talked about how he was first inspired to change his manufacturing processes by using FSC certified and organic materials. His message was a passionate plea for designers and others in attendance to pay keen attention to the materials we use in our offices and homes in order to support sustainable practices and a healthy planet.

Knowing how important it is to reduce carbon emissions, it was encouraging to see designers taking an active role in their own practices. SEEing Green exemplifies how AIGA chapters can host a positive and effective green design salon. The Center for Sustainable Design encourages AIGA chapters across the country to stage their own salons. By hosting more of these informal gatherings of designers, intended to inspire and inform sustainable communication design, we can make a difference.

Exhibitors included:

• FSC certified printers InSync Media
• Cenveo Anderson
• Typecraft Wood and Jones
• Mohawk Fine Papers featuring FSC certified papers and innovations in windmill energy
• Paper manufacturer and marketer Smart Papers
• Green consulting and design services from Cavern Home, FLOR, Green Nest, Low Impact Living, Organic Interior Design, Regeneration
• Life and food coach Susan Marque
• Environmental action efforts featured by the NRDC
• Environmentally friendly transportation via Metro
• Services to reduce our carbon footprint from 3 Phases Energy and Carbonfund

Continuing the SEEing Green experience, we also enjoyed organic, local or sustainable foods and beverages from the following companies:

• Bonterra Winery
• Green Valley Beer
• Sambazon
• Steaz
• Numi Tea
• Taste of the Goddess
• Rawsheeds
Sunflour Baking Company
• H2Om water
• Mama’s Hot Tamales
• Compostable plateware from Clear Creek Compostables

And thanks to M Cafe de Chaya and Chaya Brasserie, AIGA LA was able to reward lucky attendees with raffles throughout the night of gift certificates to both restaurants which feature macrobiotic foods.