I want to tell you about an initiative called Design Can Change. It helps designers make the environment a bigger priority while uncovering ways to combat climate change. These are values that come in line with our own, and as such, we have joined the effort by making a pledge. This page is intended to give you a quick glimpse into Design Can Change and answer some of your questions.

So, what is this all about?

We have taken the Design Can Change pledge, which is a simple framework for bringing sustainable practice to design studios. There’s nothing particularly strict about the effort, it’s really just a set of guidelines that gets the ball rolling. Designers around the world who are concerned about climate change are also signing the pledge. If you work with other designers, you will likely hear about it from them as well.

Why are we doing this?

Climate change is an issue that poses a significant threat to all of us. We’ve all seen the changes in weather patterns over the past years and the subsequent damage—and from what we’ve read, this is just the beginning. We don’t want to stand back while our home is threatened.

Additionally, most designers are well aware that we make a lot of waste. As such, we are in a unique spot to create change. In America alone, designers purchase or specify $9.1 billion in printing and paper annually. When you create that much demand for such resource-intensive products and services you have an opportunity and responsibility to make a difference.

How does it work?

It unites designers. Our collective strength can be used to persuade suppliers to make sustainable materials available and to lobby government to institute change. By working together, we can spread the word amongst the entire design community: sharing knowledge, encouraging a sustainable mindset and making sustainable design resources available.

Will this increase costs for my organization?

It certainly shouldn’t. Sustainable materials are often comparable in costs to traditional materials. Additionally, this effort is about limiting unnecessary waste, not making more of something that would increase costs. We may even save you money.

Is the quality of my design going to be compromised?

No, it’s just a different way of looking at the projects we work together on. Sustainable thinking doesn’t demand that we become monks. It just asks us to work smarter and think about our impact more carefully. We will be more targeted in our efforts and focus on your goals more expressly. We have to think strategically
instead of traditionally.

How will this change our working relationship?

In many respects things will stay similar to how they are now. However, we will scrutinize projects to find methods of achieving the greatest result with the smallest environmental impact. We’d also like to work closely with you to help make sense of all of these changes. We feel this is one more way that we as designers can give you greater value.

Who is involved?

Design Can Change was started by a small design studio in Vancouver. Now, designers around the world are getting involved. It’s a grass roots campaign and entirely not-for-profit. There’s no governing body involved in the effort, so it’s really up to us to ensure that we hold up the values that we have voluntarily committed to.