Discussion Forum

The Living Principles for Design

The Living Principles for Design will be unveiled at the Make/Think: AIGA Design Conference in Memphis on Friday, October 9th at 11am local time. This integrated framework for design distills the collective wisdom found in decades of sustainability theories and makes it accessible to a broad audience of design practitioners and their clients.

For a preview of what to expect from this framework, the Center for Sustainable Design invites you to examine the Genealogy of the Living Systems. This research document describes the landscape of the major sustainability visions, manifestos, principles, frameworks and tools that have been developed over the past 50 years and are relevant to design. It is also a chronology and a primer of sorts - an invitation for further discovery. Upon review, it will become apparent that a lot of good and useful information already exists, but that it is fragmented. It is also missing a compelling case for design's impact on trends and habits. We believe that for sustainable design to be attainable, designers need to acquire a common understanding.

The Living Principles for Design stand on the shoulders of giants. The DNA of their work will become evident as you peruse this genealogy. (in ) Comments (3) (Oct 08)

AIGA Seattle: Green Salon Roundtable

AIGA Seattle, the professional association for design, is holding a Green Salon Roundtable on Saturday, October 17, 10:15-11:45 a.m. at the Phinney Ridge Community Center, Room 6, 6532 Phinney Ave N., Seattle. This is the first in a series: an open forum for AIGA members and other designers to bring ideas to the floor for discussion and learn about sustainable design methods from each other. (in )
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What's new at the CFSD

Since its launch in 2006, the AIGA Center for Sustainable Design has become the central place within AIGA to focus on sustainability issues related to the design community. The "Compostmodern 08" conference, co-produced with the AIGA San Francisco chapter, was a landmark event and the 2009 event is in the works. The Green Salon concept has been embraced by chapters and CFSD members have become familiar speakers at design conferences and commentators in design publications and blogs. Our resources continue to grow and the Center for Sustainable Design's website is increasingly cited as a vital resource for designers. But we haven't saved the planet just yet, so there is still much to do. (in )
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Eagles Album “Long Road Out of Eden” arrives at Wal-Mart with environmentally friendly packaging

The Eagles’ new album, “Long Road Out of Eden, ” their first new release since 1980, is one of the few music packages with a sustainable dimension. (in Paper)
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Compost happens!

Compostmodern ’08 is an interdisciplinary design conference dedicated to promoting sustainable solutions within the design community at large. Join designers from across the country for a day of turning idealism into actual business practice by exploring solutions for making the world a better place—and further defining design’s place in it. (in )
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“From the Forest Floor to the Customer’s Door“ to you

Just back from the “Next: AIGA Design Conference” with a little something for those of you who missed the very informative affinity session, From the Forest Floor to the Customer’s Door. Moderated by Melinda Head, president of Head Research with speakers from Domtar EarthChoice®, Gensler Design and Sandy Alexander, Inc., the panel shed light on the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), recognized as the benchmark in environmental and social responsibility for forest management practices, and its chain-of-custody that provides the assurance you need to ensure the materials you use are socially and environmentally sustainable. (in Paper)
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"Next: AIGA Design Conference" Preview: From the Forest Floor to the Customer’s Door

Moderator: Melinda Head, president, Head Research

Panel: Chip Stine, Sandy Alexander, Inc.; Laura Latham, Gensler Design; Lewis Fix, Domtar EarthChoice

How can you be sure that your paper choices are truly sustainable? Does the paper you use for your daily designs come from responsibly managed forests? This session will provide concrete answers to these questions. You will learn about the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), recognized as the benchmark in environmental and social responsibility for forest management practices, and its chain-of-custody which provides the assurance that you need to ensure the materials you use are socially and environmentally sustainable. Plus, you will learn about the path a printed piece travels from the mill to the printer to end user.

(in Paper) Comments (0) (Sep 07)

Mohawk publishes Sense and Sustainability and new Eco*Guide

Mohawk Fine Papers has published two sustainability-related pieces: a reissue of its print buyer’s guide, Sense and Sustainability, and a new Eco*Guide.

(in Paper)
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Domtar EarthChoice Paper Now Widely Available in the United States

It’s easier than ever for businesses to make environmentally responsible office supply choices. Domtar EarthChoice Office Paper is now widely available to consumers in the United States through Office Depot, as well as through Office Depot’s North America Business Solutions Division and will be available in Office Depot retail stores in late July.

(in Paper)
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Mohawk Ups Commitment to Wind Power and Carbon Neutrality

Edited by Dan Kohan
Photo credit: Lollie-pop, Flickr

Mohawk Fine Papers has purchased one hundred million kWh of renewable energy certificates (RECs), offsetting one hundred percent of the annual electric power consumption across all its operations in New York and Ohio. A member of the EPA Green Power Partnership, Mohawk now manufactures its entire range of premium printing, writing and imaging papers, including Strathmore, Beckett, Mohawk Superfine, Mohawk Options and Navajo, Via, BriteHue and Mohawk Color Copy with wind energy.

(in )
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New Leaf Paper Introduces New Leaf Sakura 100

New Leaf Paper has recently launched New Leaf Sakura 100, the first coated paper manufactured from 100 percent post-consumer waste (PCW). New Leaf Sakura 100 is commended for exceptional printability and detailed imagery reproduction.

(in Paper)
Click here for full-length story Comments (0) (Jun 07)

Appleton Green Line Grows

Appleton Coated has added FSC-certified Utopia One Sheets and Web and Utopia Two Sheets to their Appleton Green line. These grades use 10 percent recycled materials in their stock versions, but can be ordered with 20 to 30 percent recycled content and with green power offsets. For more information email utopiagreen@appletoncoated.com or call 1-800-663-1813. (in Paper) Comments (1) (Mar 09)

Discussion of paper issues

This will be a posting about the environmental aspects of paper for designers. (in Paper) Comments (3) (Dec 01)

Discussion of printing issues

This will be a posting about the environmental aspects of printing for designers. (in Printing) Comments (1) (Dec 01)

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