BEFORE YOU DESIGN, SPECIFY OR BUY ANYTHING

This short list of 11 questions by Chris Hacker, leader of the Global Strategic Design Office of Johnson and Johnson is an excellent place to begin the design process.

1. Do we need it? Can we live without it?
2. Is the project designed to minimize waste?
3. Can it be smaller, lighter or made from fewer materials?
4. Is it designed to be durable or multi-functional?
5. Does it use renewable resources?
6. Is reuse practical and encouraged?
7. Are the product and packaging refillable, recyclable, or repairable?
8. Is it made with post-consumer recycled or reclaimed materials and how much?
9. Are the materials available in a less toxic form? Can it be made with less toxic materials?
10. Is it available from a socially and environmentally responsible company
11. Is it made locally?

To learn more about Chris Hacker, view this short video:

Chris Hacker: Creating sustainable consumer experiences through design

RAY ANDERSON / INTERFACE

Ray Anderson was the founder (1973) and chairman of Interface Inc., one of the world's largest manufacturers of carpet tile. He began his quest to become a more environmentally responsible business owner in 1994 after reading the book The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken. Since that pivotal point Ray & Interface began a journey in reforming their manufacturing processes, working towards "Mission Zero". More specifically, Interface's goal is to eliminate any negative impact the company may have on the environment by 2020. Interface is more than 50% towards achieving that goal.

Ray Anderson's Turning Point on Cradle to Grave Manufacturing
 
Ray died in 2011 and but his legacy lives on. The Ray C Anderson Foundation was set up to continue to spread the word of his sustainable vision.

Ray C Anderson Foundation