Sustainable Design

Sustainable design involves the creation of something with an awareness of how it will impact our world ecologically as well as economically. The goal of sustainable design is to advance our society and move toward the future, as with all design, but while simultaneously reducing our "wear" on the planet and successfully selling a product: if the product doesn't sell than no impact will be made on anybody. Rather than opting for the cheapest, most convenient materials and methods of production that lead to objects that are quickly disposed of, sustainable design looks to materials that are repurposed, recycled, and promote future reusing. The designs themselves often focus on having multiple uses, permanency or if disposable are recyclable and biodegradable. Often the methods of manufacture and production use earth friendly chemicals, sustainable energy or some form of pro-environment compromise. The Industrial Revolution succeeded in quickly advancing civilization, at light speed and selling products but at the price of rapidly draining natural resources and damaging many ecosystems. Sustainable design is the response to the Industrial Revolution and the solution to reversing its flaws while promoting its successes.