i-tees

Lately with the iPhone, iTouch, Kindle and other assorted gadgets available, I’ve been thinking a lot about the gadgets that start piling up around and in drawers, and whether we’re being environmentally friendly.

Each time a new computer, gadget or phone comes out, we’re all eager to see them, buy them and use them, but what happens to the older models we already have. I have an older Apple desktop computer in the corner collecting dust and I’ve always thought, it’s my back up just in case these two explode someday, (which probably will never happen, because they’re also Apple…) but actually I would probably never turn it on because the software is now outdated. I also have an older scanner, and probably a few old cell phones in some drawer. Time to figure what to do with them… donate the Apple computer and scanner or look into a company that recycles parts.

Recently, I switched from Directv to Verizon FIOS and when I asked Directv what to do with the two old boxes and remotes, they had no real plan. They do not collect them or try to recycle them, which I thought was such a waste. They told me they belonged to me, I sure don’t understand this. They suggested I put them up on ebay. Are they kidding? Who’s going to buy this old equipment and for what, $5?

I do love the idea that by loading up my iPod Touch, I’m not buying paper books, plastic/paper containers of music or have to carry a laptop or portfolio, everything is stored within or I can connect via wifi. But to be honest, I really prefer reading a book with pages that I can hold with both hands, the same goes for a magazine.

I’m always concerned about being eco-friendly and spend more time reading blogs and websites so I can purchase less newspaper and  magazines, but perhaps it’s time to revisit the local public library. I haven’t been there in a while and it would be a much better way to read some of the latest or current books without buying them and adding even more books to my overloaded shelves.

Day 50 and counting since the explosion of the BP Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf, rupturing the oil well and changing our world forever. The oil continues to flow out and we still have no idea how much it is, because no one will tell us the truth.

From the beginning of this catastrophe, I knew this would be devastating, change the Gulf region, killing wildlife and ruining our oceans. Today is “World Oceans Day” and I felt the need to express my anger. Today seems like the perfect day.

It was weeks before anyone in the news thought it was serious enough to actually want to go there and report to us. I was and still am writing comments to the White House, AC 360, CBS Evening News, Huffington Post and on Twitter and Facebook. Finally Anderson Cooper started reporting from the source. (My sister joked that he must have heard me and we had a laugh.) I’m sure many, many people were writing the same things I was. Others have followed and now we’re getting some news, thanks to their persistence. I still think the U.S. government and the President need to do more.

The oil is in the marshes, washing up on shore, spreading around the coastline, and there are plumes under the water. I’m so worried about the sea life below the surface and the dead we may never know about.

Tonight I was watching the CBS evening news and once again they played the commercial by BP CEO Tony Hayward. I don’t understand how a news program could report about the disaster and then pay to show this commercial. I’d also like to know why all the car companies are so very silent? They keep advertising their cars, but not one has said a word about this. I suppose they just want us to forget cars actually need oil.

On Anderson Cooper 360 I just saw a demonstration of what the oil pipe size is and now I’m really freaked out. BP has released only today a high definition video of the oil leaking, and the pipe diameter is the size of a garbage pail, like you have outside in your backyard. Imagine the size of that opening. They have really tried to pull a fast one over on us Americans.

In my email I heard that BP is blocking people from showing us the dead wildlife. I was wondering why we hadn’t seen more considering the amount of dead wildlife reported. Here is just one of so many sad images from Deep Sea News.

Oiled covered birds from the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf from Deep Sea News.

I think it’s time for the American people (and other nations) to wake up. Move away from their gadgets and leave the cars at home and really think about all that they need and don’t. I’m proud to say that I sold my car a few years ago and haven’t missed it much. I walk, ride my bicycle, or take public transportation. If I do need a car, I rent one. I save quite a bit and I get exercise which makes me healthier!

There’s a BP Oil Spill rally in Jersey City this thursday, June 10th, 2010. Come on out and boycott BP. I’LL BE THERE!

On Friday, March 12, I attended a lecture with another designer. Organized by the AIGA, “Design Thinking & Sustainability w/ Chris Hacker from Johnson & Johnson” took place at the Tishman Auditorium in NYC.

Aside from the problems with their powerpoint presentation, which got quite a few chuckles from the “designer” audience, it was a presentation about the possibilities we as designers can achieve if we make the effort. It’s important to lead our clients toward “green” packaging and printing even if they think it’s going to cost more, because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes, depending on the item and the quantity, it may not cost more, so why not give it try.

Chris Hacker, who has been Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Design Officer for the past five years has overseen the application of sustainable design thinking and practices. In addition to building a 120-person think tank, where environmentally-conscious decisions are part of the process, he, along with the the rest of his team are implementing ideas with all sorts of products.

By simply changing the overall design so the product can be reused, eliminating part of the packaging which isn’t needed, or changing the printing techniques and inks, we can reduce the amount of paper or plastic being used and when you multiply that times the amount of products sold, that’s a lot of trees saved, and less waste.

We have the power as designers to reshape the way consumers see products, and can sometimes make a change that is environmentally sound and yet consumers don’t even notice. Most consumers are into being “green” and if they realize a product has changed to help the environment, like less packaging, or they can recycle it, they’re more likely to buy it and feel good about it.

From the Johnson & Johnson website about “Protecting the Environment”

“We set high standards for our operating companies in the area of environmental responsibility — striving for performance that does not merely comply with regulations but reduces our environmental impacts. We have a responsibility to take care of our planet and preserve its beauty, resources and strength for future generations.”

You can be sure with every project I work on, I’m committed to producing or printing it the “greenest” way and will work hard to convince my clients to do the same.