Sustainability and Consumption

The video from Postopolis features 3 players in the industry all of whom share great insights into sustainable design for this day and age. Graham Hill of Treehugger, Susan Szenasy of Metropolis, and Allan Chochinov of Core77 discuss the complexities about what makes for a more sustainable practice. An example mentioned is the use of wood or steel in housing. One is more natural but with a minimal economic life and requires the demise of forests. The other has a higher embodied energy but requires mass resources to produce. It goes to show there are no simple answers in sustainable development, however, the considerations are endless in deciding what is least harmful and most beneficial over the long haul.

Another important insight mentioned is that of consumption. While the emphasis on sustainable production and design are paramount to reducing our carbon footprint, it serves little purpose without a shift in our own attitude and habits. Our culture consumes as though there is an endless supply of everything: resources, materials and products, food systems. It's imperative that we start closely examining the patterns of everyday life and becoming more aware of what we consume, whether our consumption is necessary, and to what degree we prioritize convenience.

There is an inherent mindlessness in regards to consumption and origin. This attitude shift will also mean cultivating an awareness in how what we consume came to be, whether it be food, appliances, gadgets, resources, etc. For instance, a while back I started paying close attention to packaging: to go containers, bags, disposable containers, etc. I reuse as much as I possibly can (including ziplocks and other tupperware-like disposables), purchase minimally and in higher quantity when possible. It takes baby steps (at least for myself) but the more aware I become about my own consumption patterns, the healthier and more sustainable my choices.