Green Design Flashcards
What is the aim of green design?
Reduce impact on the environment
Conserve materials by using recycled materials
Conserving energy in the use of the product
What is eco design/ life cycle design
Designs and manufactures try to reduce the impact of a product through its entire life cycle (via life cycle assessments)
From raw material extraction to disposal
What happens during life cycle assessment/eco design?
Highlight the part of the product life cycle that causes the most damage
X Tackle material consumption (when being made)
X Fossil fuel energy consumption (when in use)
X Production of pollution and toxic waste (when being disposed
of)
How does eodeign affect a product?
Made from low impact materials
Reduce materials used in product/packaging
Reduce impact during product use
Optimising product life span
Optimising end of life systems - for recycling and recovery of materials and components
What is sustainable design?
X Function of a product is analysed
X More environmentally sound method of
performing the same function is sought
X Looks at socio-economic benefits
X Attempts to improve welfare and safety of
workers producing the product
X Fair trade schemes
What is sustainable innovation?
Radical approach
Looks for new ways of doing things using a mix of products and services
E.g.
Community based laundry service instead of everyone having a washing machine in their own house
Service uses energy efficient washing machines that run on solar power
Vehicle to transport runs on biodiesel etc
Example of green design products
Clothing made from organically growth naturally coloured cotton
No pesticides and chemical dyes
Sandals made from recycled
Coffee machines that use plastic filters instead of disposable paper ones
Biodegradable plastic/paper carrier bags
What is green design packaging?
Due to packaging directive
Reduce use of packaging materials and waste
Examples of green design packaging
Replacing polystyrene inner packaging with moulded cardboard for phone casing
High impact polystyrene blister packs replaced with simple card wrapper for batteries
Use of inflatable LDPE cushions - reduce the quantity of plastic used
Can be deflated and returned to the manufacture
Can be recycled or reused
