The Little Book of Shocking Global Facts – Green Books Campaign 2010

Posted on November 10, 2010 by itees

Barnbrook Design has compiled close to 200 pages of shocking global facts that cover these important issues: trade, environment, health, population, human rights, arms trade, war and illicit drugs. As I read through this book, one thing became quite clear. The world’s priorities are seriously screwed up and at this pace we’re potentially all doomed. Between runaway global spending on the wrong issues to the massive population explosion to deforestation and global warming, we need to make REAL CHANGE happen or our civilization is truly going to end as we know it. The facts were gathered from the world’s most authoritative sources and a glossary is contained in the back.

The book questions global politics and highlights the inequalities and iniquities of rampant globalization.

How is it that the developed world spends billions on weaponry, while the poor of the world have no access to education, medicines or clean water?

Here are just some of the facts from this alarming book:

Chapter One, Trade: The richest 2% own more than 1/2 of all global assets. The financial crisis that started in 2008, slowed trade and halted investment throughout the world. The poorest countries were hit the hardest with 50 million sent into extreme poverty.

Chapter Two, Environment: 25% of greenhouse gases are caused by deforestation. Why are we cutting down so many trees? So we can clear the way and raise more cattle for the growing need for meat and the population that’s out of control. Because of global warming, glaciers are melting which will threaten water supplies to millions. Between 40-60 million more people will be exposed to malaria in Africa alone.

Chapter Three, Health: Tobacco is the most preventable cause of death, but still kills more people than tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS combined. **Starred Fact**: The US pharmaceutical industry spends 24.4% on promotion and just 13.4% on research and development.

Chapter Four, Population: Our little blue planet has 6.8 billion people living on it and 5 billion have been added since 1900. 5.6 billion of them live in less developed regions. Tokyo is the most populous and Africa’s Kiberia has the largest slum and houses around 1 million.

Chapter Five, Human Rights: 8.75 million people are held in prisons throughout the world. Two-thirds of the world’s 785 million illiterate adults are women.

Chapter Six, Arms Trade: Between 1998 and 2007 military spending increased by 45%. There are between 50 & 70 million AK-47 assault rifles around the world and in parts of Africa, a rifle can be bought for as little as $30.

Chapter Seven, War: During WWI, civilian casualties were less than 5% and today that is 75%. It took just 100 days for an estimated 800,000 Rwandans to be killed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Between 1990 and 2007 negotiations led to the end of 59 conflicts around the world.

Chapter Eight, Illicit Drugs: **90% of the world’s opium is produced by Afghanistan, yet less than 2% of it is seized there.**

Barnbrook Design created an interesting, informative book, using original and innovative graphics, typography, and culturally relevant photography to help illustrate these serious issues. In paperback format on thick, glossy paper and having a cover with flaps, both the cover and interior were printed using mixed sources and the book is labeled FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.

About Barnbrook Design: Barnbrook is one of the most well-known creative studios in Britain. Their team of designers specialize in producing innovative books, corporate identities, CD covers, custom fonts, websites and magazines. Their clients range from international museums to charitable organizations.

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Eco-Libris Green Books Campaign 2010

This review is part of the Green Books Campaign initiated by Eco-Libris. Today’s second annual event has 200 bloggers reviewing 200 great books at the same moment and printed in an environmentally friendly way. Their goal is to encourage publishers to get greener and readers to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books. This campaign organized by Eco-Libris, a green company working to green up the book industry by promoting the adoption of green practices, balancing out books by planting trees, and supporting green books. A full list of participating blogs anbd links to their reviews is available on the Eco-Libris website.

2010 - 200 Green Books Campaign Logo by Susan Newman

Gadgets, Books, New, Recycled and Time To Visit My Local Library

Posted on June 26, 2010 by itees

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.

ipod-touch-sample

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.

Five-Corners-JC-Library-375

Sustainability Lecture Organized by AIGA

Posted on March 13, 2010 by itees

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.

young-leaves-in-forest

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.