Posted by Andrew Davies
There are few things more satisfying than starting the year off with a good book. My starter book this year was The Green Imperative by Victor Papanek, designer, eco-design pioneer and author of Design for the Real World.
I know I’m a bit late, but even though it was published 14 years ago, Papnek’s second book communicates insights and levels some warnings that are still applicable today. Thankfully there have been tremendous advances made in the design world since then, as far as an awareness of our role in sustainability, but reading this book reminds me that much more has to be done.
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Posted by Philip Joyner
Coming into a New Year is exciting. New challenges, new opportunities, and new perspectives… all very invigorating. From my standpoint, it gives me the opportunity to assess the marketing efforts we’ve pushed in the past year, and look to new ideas for more effective methods in the year to come. One effort we initiated last year was a portfolio book, and is one we will definitely continue in 2009 (revising and adding new projects as we see fit). Read More of this post
Posted by Andrew Davies
As I mentioned earlier, I took an online course on Sustainability through MCAD. As part of our final assignment each of the participants created a Toolkit for Sustainability, a beginner’s manual for all things green if you will. The assignment was broken down into 4 components mirroring the 4 System Conditions of The Natural Step Framework. Don’t worry if you don’t know what that is yet, the toolkit takes you through each one with examples of how you can adapt your life (at home and at work) to adhere to the principles.
Here’s part 1 of the assignment dealing with System Condition 1 which states that:
In order for a society to be sustainable, nature’s functions and diversity are not systematically subject to increasing concentrations of substances extracted from the earth’s crust.
Since this Toolkit is aimed at those new to the concept of Sustainability and all things Green, the approach is light and the tone familiar. But for the more research oriented of you out there, there are resource links at the end for further reading.
Hope you enjoy!
How to Eat a Green Elephant Part 1
I’ll cover Bite 2 next.
Posted by Susan Isaacs
Since kicking off 2009 in a very busy way, we’ve struggled to find time to post….so we might be a bit late in saying it, but Happy New Year!
Today is also Martin Luther King Jr. day, which this year is especially fitting as tomorrow is the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
By all estimation this year will be a challenging year for the world. We’ve got many problems that need our attention…and many people in our communities who sure could use our personal attention. Hopefully we’ve all set intentions to do right by our fellow man, our communities and our planet.
On my way in to the office this morning I came upon an awesome vintage RV with a name that seemed fitting for today in particular and 2009 in general; Peacemaker. I couldn’t help but look at it as a metaphor for a concept that’s obviously been around for a while, and still looks like its in pretty good shape.
Here’s to a new year….literally and figuratively!!!
