reconsidering green design

As you can see, I'm taking the easy way out while I'm on vacation.  Today, I'm letting my daily read, Cool Hunting, do the legwork.  This morning's newsletter talks about a new book by Nathan Shedroff, "Design Is The Problem."  I can't wait to read this one - it raises some of the questions I've been thinking about since Green became the new black - mainly, is Green really Green? 

I drive a Honda, wear natural fibers and sport not one, but two Macs.  I recycle just about everything (and wish our fair city would let us turn in even more), try to walk, use flourescent bulbs and low-flow shower heads - I'm even saving up for solar panels.  Still, I can't help but wonder if there isn't a huge disconnect between looking like a Green-girl and actually doing what's necessary to save the Planet.  "Design Is The Problem" asks similar questions, challenging long-held assumptions about what it means to be Green.

PS.  The photo's from a Martha Stewart project using a wood tray (I've used a cutting board) and those uber cute old-fashioned embroidery patterns.  Check out her site for directions/resources.

Comments

[sarah d.]

I think we all know the answer to "is green truly green?" is "No." In most cases, that is. None of us are really doing enough. It would come down to a totaly lifestyle overhaul that would involve going veagan, growing all our own food organically, and what we can't grow buy locally. We would have to put almost complete hold on consumerisim, which in turn would push our economy into an even further tailspin. I find it hard to believe that all of these business that are touting "green" products want us to stop buying.It is overwhelming to even consider anything or anyone to be truly "green" by definition, except for the ultimate fringe.
There's progress being made towards pushing people towards the right directions, but it will take a long time before anyone of us can actually do enough to make an impact, or for that matter, stop or reverse any of the damage we have already done. It's Darwinism. We've selected our selves out of the big picture. Unfortunately, we're taking a lot of casualties with us.

On a lighter note, I am finding that "going green" has resulted in some interesting design changes and innovative product developement. It's also made people think of creating and buying items in a more conciencious way, and there's nothing but good that can come from that.