Sustainable Design

This episode we take a closer look at circular design: material choice and use, product-as-service, dematerialization, modularity, life-extension, take-back, application in developing countries, as well as tools and resources for circularity.

With fast-pace development on the government level in European Union and China, circular economy and design are becoming the main global school of thought toward regenerative future. This is the first episode out of two-parts-interview with Seb Egerton-Read, Learning Programme Lead at Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an organization dedicated to circular economy development. Circular economy is based on 3 main ideas: 1) design out waste 2) keep materials and products in use 3) regenerate environment in every step of production. In this episode we offer you an overview of what is circular economy, regenerative agriculture, circular fashion, and give examples at-scale and at start-up level.

For the first time humans change the geological layer of the planet with extractions and solid waste that will be visible in centuries as the Anthropocene era. How can we improve that mark? In this episode, I interview Heidrun Mumper-Drumm, Director of Sustainability Initiatives at ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles. She shares easy-to-remember definitions of sustainability: 3 E’s = Environment + Economy + Equity; 4 P’s = People + Planet + Profit + Policy. We discuss climate change, Anthropocene, sustainable design systems, and Life Cycle Assessment as a powerful tool to prototype an impact of future products and services. Heidrun touches on her projects with NASA, Nuclear and renewable energy, and sustainable design education.

Ardilla Deneys is a founder of Pollima, carbon-negative furniture startup from upcycled hemp fiber. We discuss networking, startup tools, carbon offsets, sustainable materials and circular design pioneers.

Kristine Upesleja is the founder of Madisons, a consulting firm focused on innovative materials and trends in fashion and design. She gives an eye-opening overview of new materials including: mushroom leather, lab-grown silk, food-waste yarn, pineapple leather, all as part of circular economy.