Cyclic: Closing the Loop with Renewable Resources
Have you ever thought about what happens to a product when it reaches the end of its life? The Cyclic principle encourages designers to use materials that can either biodegrade naturally or be recycled indefinitely without degrading in quality. This ensures that products don’t become waste but instead re-enter the natural or industrial cycle.
For instance, imagine designing a backpack. Instead of using synthetic fabrics that take centuries to decompose, you could opt for organic cotton or recycled polyester. When the backpack wears out, its materials could be repurposed into new products or safely decompose.
ExampleDisposable cutlery made from polylactic acid (PLA), a cornstarch-based material, exemplifies cyclicity. Unlike traditional plastic cutlery, which can persist in landfills for centuries, PLA cutlery can be composted in commercial facilities, returning nutrients to the soil.
HintAlways ask yourself: Can this material re-enter the natural or industrial cycle without causing harm?
Self reviewThink of a product you use daily. What happens to it after it’s thrown away? Could it be redesigned to align with the cyclic principle?
Solar: Powering Production with Renewable Energy
Picture a world where every product is made using clean, renewable energy. The Solar principle focuses on reducing reliance on fossil fuels by using energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power for manufacturing and operation.
Consider a factory producing solar panels. If the factory itself is powered by solar energy, it creates a virtuous cycle, producing renewable energy products using renewable energy.
AnalogyThink of renewable energy as the fuel for a marathon runner. Just as a runner needs sustainable energy to keep going, our production systems need renewable energy to remain viable in the long term.
TipAdvocate for renewable energy by choosing suppliers and manufacturers that prioritize solar, wind, or other sustainable energy sources.
Self reviewCan you identify a product in your home that relies on renewable energy? How might its manufacturing process align with the solar principle?
Safe: Eliminating Toxicity in Products and Waste
Have you ever noticed the strong smell of paint or glue? That odor often comes from harmful chemicals that can affect both human health and the environment. The Safe principle ensures that products are free from toxic materials and that their production doesn’t generate harmful by-products.
For example, traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release harmful fumes. Sustainable alternatives, like water-based or plant-based paints, eliminate these risks, making them safer for both users and the environment.
Common MistakeDesigners sometimes overlook the toxicity of adhesives, coatings, or finishes. Always check material safety data sheets (MSDS) to ensure compliance with safety standards.
NoteSafety isn’t just about environmental impact, it’s also about protecting workers during production and ensuring the health of end-users.
Self reviewWhat steps can you take to ensure the materials in your designs are safe for people and the planet?
Efficient: Doing More with Less
Imagine designing a product that uses fewer materials, consumes less energy, and still performs better than its competitors. TheEfficientprinciple encourages minimizing resource use without compromising functionality.
For instance, think of a smartphone. By combining the functions of a camera, GPS, and computer, it reduces the need for multiple devices, saving materials and energy.
ExampleThe Volkswagen Lupo, a car designed with efficiency in mind, uses lightweight materials and an aerodynamic shape to achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, reducing its environmental impact over its lifetime.
