The constant technology changes in consumer electronics feel like a form of planned obsolescence—like the automobile industry’s annual model changes. Consumers pine for the latest mobile phone, laptop, and TV. Now Best Buy’s new “buy back” program is a shrewd move that closes the planned obsolescence loop. Read the Rest of the Entry.

For many years designers have been looking at more earth-friendly materials in their designs. From the sustainability of materials used in product design to the recycled material content of paper used in direct mail pieces, to reconstituted exterior wall coverings in buildings—using our resources smarter and better for the earth is becoming more and more a part of our daily lives.

A few years ago, BOLTgroup started some green initiatives in our office—some of the straightforward things like recycling paper and cans, replacing halogen and incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, changing energy settings on our computers, and converting printed documents to electronic.

However, last year, we joined the Designer’s Accord, an international organization with a current membership of over 150,000, which came with a multi-pronged commitment to engage in and heighten the awareness of initiatives that can be put in place to help preserve the world’s precious resources—all within our sphere of influence as designers.

So this year, when it came time to spruce up the office for a good spring cleaning, we wanted to look at ways to reduce the number of items we put in landfills. One of the ways we found was to put them to reuse at charities in Charlotte. We provided office supplies to Charlotte Emergency Housing, an organization that works to end homelessness among families by providing opportunities through housing, support service, advocacy and collaboration. We provided school and office supplies to Classroom Central, a free store for teachers who work in low-income schools in the Charlotte region. We gave shelving and other home improvement items to Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, and gave our old electronics to Goodwill for their RECONNECT program.

We know we’re not the only ones trying to live up to the 3 Rs, and try to reduce waste and help the communities in which we live and work. And we’re interested in continually exploring better practices.

So what win-win initiatives are you implementing?

NOTE: We’re holding the August 2009 Designer’s Accord Town Hall Meeting here in Charlotte on 08/27/09 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. To find out more information, please post a comment.

The country may still be getting back on its feet, but New Orleans was hopping earlier this month. Why? Because the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) held their 2009 Southern District Conference in the Crescent City. With nearly 300 professionals, educators and students in attendance, we had a full weekend of inspiration, fun and just a little drama (more on that later).

Over the years, district conferences have grown in importance since they augment the National conference by more directly serving the needs of the members within each district. In the case of the Southern District, that means a pretty large geographic region—one that extends west to Texas, south to Florida, and north to Virginia. And just this year, our district has expanded to include Puerto Rico.
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