The use of sustainable materials lacks in this society. The issue of environmental responsibility was not present in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. Although production of designed furniture, jewelry, buildings, etc. began before the Industrial Revolution, production was not as fast and massive. It was at a slower pace and at a smaller scale making materials available to only a small portion of people. Now, due to the introduction of machines and factories during the Industrial Revolution, these products are available to everyone. Although this is a positive outcome, it came with a problem—the emission of pollution in the air and the exhaustion of natural resources. In addition, the availability of resources and the massive production of goods have made it easier for humans to waste. In other words, more products mean more waste.
Thankfully, recyclying of materials has been introduced in this century, but how much of the recycled materials that the average person recycles is actually recycled? According to the news article, Recycled material being ‘dumped as landfill’ by Andy Bloxham, “around 240,000 tons of paper, glass and plastic is either dumped or burned after being collected in green bins and bags by local council staff…”. Therefore, designers must not only be educated in the use of materials, but also public policy. It is a shame that there are instances like these that make the effort to turn towards sustainability difficult.
Sometimes we cannot predict the outcome of our actions (in the case of the Industrial Revolution). Thus, it is fair to say that this was an unintentional consequence. On the other hand, we are given the opportunity to learn from our actions and avoid producing the same negative outcome. As designers we are responsible for what we produce in this world and for the sake of our environment and our health we must think green.
Thankfully, recyclying of materials has been introduced in this century, but how much of the recycled materials that the average person recycles is actually recycled? According to the news article, Recycled material being ‘dumped as landfill’ by Andy Bloxham, “around 240,000 tons of paper, glass and plastic is either dumped or burned after being collected in green bins and bags by local council staff…”. Therefore, designers must not only be educated in the use of materials, but also public policy. It is a shame that there are instances like these that make the effort to turn towards sustainability difficult.
Sometimes we cannot predict the outcome of our actions (in the case of the Industrial Revolution). Thus, it is fair to say that this was an unintentional consequence. On the other hand, we are given the opportunity to learn from our actions and avoid producing the same negative outcome. As designers we are responsible for what we produce in this world and for the sake of our environment and our health we must think green.
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