Sustainability in a Changing World
Sustainability has become an increasingly prominent and important concept in recent years. Ecological changes, rising overconsumption habits, and unstoppable population growth have all made the spread of this concept essential. Simply put, sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. At its core, sustainability is not only about environmental concerns but also includes economic and social impacts.
Creating solutions through design and ensuring these solutions are sustainable means creating value not only for today but also for the future — and a better future is worth thinking a little harder about. Dieter Rams, the master of modern design, clearly states the core principle of sustainable design in his famous “Good Design Principles,” which are considered sacred by designers today:
"Good design is environmentally friendly: It makes a significant contribution to the preservation of the environment. It conserves resources and minimizes physical and visual pollution throughout the product’s lifecycle."
What Can We Do for a Sustainable Life?
By making changes to your lifestyle, you can save resources, consume more organically and locally, and become healthier. Here are some tips for living more sustainably:
- Reduce food waste. This not only cuts your grocery bills but also lowers the amount of waste that breaks down into greenhouse gases in landfills, contributing to carbon emissions.
- Reduce plastic use and opt for reusable containers. Avoid plastic straws; instead, carry washable glass or metal straws in your bag. Using a reusable bottle or thermos helps reduce unnecessary plastic and paper waste.
- Walk whenever possible. Walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving contributes positively to both your health and the environment. Reducing individual car usage also decreases your carbon footprint.
- Cut down on paper use. In our increasingly digital world, reducing paper usage is easier than ever. Start by requesting digital versions of your bills via email instead of printed copies.
- Recycle. Separate chemical waste from your regular trash. You can also sort and dispose of paper, glass, and plastic in recycling bins. Try upcycling — turn items you no longer use into something new and useful instead of throwing them away.
Content: Tasarım Group
