Reflect {3}

I think the most important thing I learned this week is that there is a lot more to being sustainable that I thought. I guess I was guilty of thinking that it was a simple task that could easily be done. Now, dont get me wrong, I still believe that being sustainable and eco friendly is completely doable! But I never thought about it from an economic stand point as a business owner. I have expressed in my previous blogs how consumers need to be willing to invest in sustainable products, but I never thought about the many econommic aspects that the producers must face. I guess this is a result of having more of a "design mind" rather than a "business mind"... although I know the two must work together. That being said, this weeks content was more difficult for me to absorb and grasp... economics was never really my thing. Becuase of the nature of the industry, I think it is important for me to understand the economics behind the business. This will help me to further grasp the "big picture". When designing, it will be a benefit for me to be able to understand every aspect that is involved.. not jut the fun, creative part.

In our readings, I was also drawn to the section regarding fair trade. Becuase I am already working for a wholesaler, it is important for me to understand the impact that fair trade has on our business. In the fall, I will be traveling overseas to several of our factories. I will be able to use the knowledge about fair trade that I have gained to monitor and inspect the factories so I am assured that nothing inhumane is occuring. From here, I would like to learn more about how large companies are dealing with overeas factories, and fair trade laws.

$U$TAINABILITY.00

When considering the idea of creating a company that is focused on sustainability and becoming environmentally friendly, it seems like it could be a simple task. However, sustainable or not, when creating a business plan, everything seems to focus around one thing... money, money and more money. Of course, this is a very important factor in the business world, but there are right and wrong ways to go about earning money for your company. There are three sectors of the economy in which your business can fall into. According to Thorpe's The Designers Atlas of Sustainability, most designers work in the private sector, which we recognize as the free market. Here is a diagram of the three sectors:

 

3-Sectors of the Economy in 3 sentences:

The private sector focuses on making as much money as possible-profit is key.

The public sector creates competition with taxation.

The third sector focuses on social/emotional issues, rather than the finances.

 

FAIR TRADE

Due to the nature of consumerism in our field of study, it is important to address a HUGE factor.. fair trade. As Thorpe says, no designer wants their products to be produced by means of child labor or any other inhumane manner... and these things can be hard to monitor with an ocean between us and the factories. However, there are several companies who have taken initiative to operate solely with fair trade. There are also several organizations that have been created to help encourage fair trade. One company, SERRV, has not only set out to make a difference in the world of consumerism, but has been dedicated to creating better lives for the less fortunate. They focus on eliminating poverty, and creating goods in a humane and legal manner. SERRV is a nonprofit organization that provides work for local farmers and artisans. They are essentially a vendor that sells everything from textiles to foods. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERRV is not only a wonderful company that has improved working conditions and trade activities, it is also contributing to meeting the human needs of its employees. SERRV is maintaining "cultural sustainability". As Thorpe states, humans have a common set of needs that should be met. Below is a breakdown of these needs: 

 

Subsistence: sustenance, health, physical, capability 

Protection: shelter, safety, security

Affection: self-respect/self-esteem, loving relationships, respect, tolerance

Understanding: curiosity, knowing, exploration, conscience, rationality, intuition

Participation: solidarity, sense of belonging, responsibility, sharing, connectedness

Leisure: rest, play, relaxation, idleness, fantasy

Creation: invention, design, composition, interpretation, expression

Identity: competence, self-esteem, knowledge, authenticity

Freedom: autonomy, tolerance, rights, choice, self-direction

 

In ways, SERRV meets each and every one of these needs for their employees.

 

See below for more information about SERRV

http://www.serrv.org/

 

Reflect {2}

This week, like last week, was an eye opening experience for me. It was really surprising how big of an effect products can have on our lives and on the environment we live in. Unfortunately, in order to see a difference in consumer behavior, it takes exposing the "ugly truth". Having gained this new found knowledge will help me to become a more environmentally friendly consumer. As a wholesale buyer, I can also use this knowledge to determine the goods I choose for my company to sell to our customers. I can begin to make a change in the products offered, and in turn make a change is our customers buying behavior. From here, I would like to hear about success stories of wholesalers who have began to make the change to environmentally friendly products.

Trash2Treasure

Ever wonder what happens to all that garbage you leave out in the dumpster each week? Well, unfortunately, most of our waste goes into a dump or landfill. In turn, our towns are being filled with trash… not to mention the negative effect on the environment. In The Designer’s Atlas of Sustainability, Thorpe explains just how our products can affect our environment. According to Thorpe, “ human designs are overwhelming natures design”. This is causing plant and animal life to decline. McDonough and Braungart also address this subject in Cradle to Cradle. In their book, the authors discuss how “waste equals food”.

 

Because of the growing awareness of sustainability, there are several new companies that are contributing to making a positive difference for our environment. One company is called Green Toys. Green Toys was founded by Robert von Goeben and Laurie Hyman. Green Toys has created a line of toys that are constructed from recycled and environmentally friendly materials. They consciously choose materials for their toy line that will improve the health and well being of the planet. By choosing recycled products they are helping to reduce fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. 

All Green Toys products are also created in the United States, therefore creating jobs and improving our economy. 

Another company who is dedicated to creating a better earth is Mr. Ellie Pooh. Mr. Ellie Pooh is a paper company that creates exotic gifts and paper goods from elephant dung. Now I know what you’re probably thinking… GROSS! Right? Honestly, I thought the same thing! However, after learning about the company background, I found myself being more accepting to the idea.

I first learned about Mr. Ellie Pooh while working for a natural foods company. I worked in the corporate office as a Junior Buyer, focusing on house wares and gift items. I received samples of their products and I was quite impressed. 

Aside from reducing the amount of trees that are being killed in the making of paper, the company is also dedicated to improving the lives of elephants in Sri Lanka. According to the experts at Mr. Ellie Pooh LLC, “if the United States cut office paper use by just 10% it would prevent the emission of 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases- the equivalent of taking 280,000 cars off the road”! That’s a big impact!

These are just two examples of great companies that are helping to make a difference in our struggling world. Both companies are creating new products out of waste. My hope for the future is that more companies would take this initiative to make an even bigger difference.

To learn more about these 2 great companies, visit the links below: 

http://greentoys.com/

http://www.mrelliepooh.com/