The Secret Life of Things is a set of short animated videos exploring the hidden environmental impacts of everyday things. Each video comes with a free pack of learning resources to inspire and engage budding designers and product developers with life cycle thinking and eco-design. Read more
Introduction to Eco-Design
Leyla Acaroglu 2010
Eco-design is about factoring environmental considerations into the design process. It is also known as environmentally conscious design [ECD], design for the environment [DfE], design for sustainability [DfS or D4S], green design, environmental product development [EPD], and sustainable design.
At heart, eco-design is about effective design decision-making, leading to the creation of products with a reduced environmental impact. If eco-design is to be an effective tool for greening product development, it is vital that a life-cycle approach is taken.
Designers are in a unique position to lock out negative environmental qualities (for example toxic substances, planned obsolescence), while also locking-in positive ones (for example water- and energy-efficient products). They can do this by assessing a products environmental impact areas does the main impact occur during manufacture, use or disposal? then applying eco-design strategies to reduce these environmental burdens over the products life. Its easier than it sounds!
There are no quick-fix solutions to the environmental damage being caused by our unsustainable production and consumption patterns. Every one of us needs to take responsibility for our contribution to this environmental degradation, but designers are in a unique position to make real and significant changes.
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