Project Update: Independent Project

FINAL PUBLICATION BODY COPY/WRITTEN CONTENT

Dedication note:

for the imperfect environmentalists

Short Opening/Introduction

With conscious consumerism becoming more globally known, sustainability is now seen as a business imperative for brands all over the world. Though that does not mean that we should not be cautious when choosing where we put our money into.

As a graphic designer, it is important to me to educate and improve myself environmentally. The graphic design industry depends on numerous resources such as water, paper, chemical inks and energy which consequently leads to mass waste produced. With environmental challenges that industries all over are facing, it is our responsibility to be proactive and to adapt with change. I made the decision to take this and motivate myself to practice sustainability as a graphic designer all while being able to maintain that lifestyle into work.

Journey: The Beginning

I have always been an imperfect environmentalist from a young age. Growing up surrounded by greenery, beautiful beaches and mountainous areas I have always felt the need to help conserve earth’s beauty though at times I feel hopeless - as if I am not doing enough. My will to live sustainably and to consume consciously became more important within the past two years where I realised that not all brands are transparent with their users. It started when I noticed the similarities in the people that I follow online where creators were all discussing and sharing their opinions and experiences on sustainable consumption.

I used to think that it was all about reducing your waste, avoiding plastics or not purchasing from fast fashion brands but it is much more than that. A lot of effort and research needs to be done in order to fully understand what revolves around it - which I myself am constantly learning something new everyday. This led to noticing that I was only aware of what was going on outside of Malaysia and that I should take the initiative to look at how brands and companies are doing their part locally but most importantly, to learn how I can learn to practice sustainability as a graphic designer.

Experience

As a graphic designer, I found it challenging to practice sustainability where I am involved in an industry that contributes to mass waste production. Specifically in Malaysia, sustainability in the print design world is still new where there are not many resources available.

It is impossible to change your lifestyle in such a short span. Trying to change every small thing at once can be overwhelming to the point where you feel as if you are drowning and feel as if you can't do it. However, taking it step by step will be much easier as you are slowly implementing each thing into your routine.

An easy first step is to eliminate unnecessary items or products. I first started off by avoiding single use plastics and opting for public transportation or walked as much as I could. Plus, walking works great as daily exercise.

I always ask myself, ‘do I really need this?’ whenever I see something I think of purchasing, especially when it comes to clothing. A common misconception about sustainable fashion is that it’s expensive when in reality, there are other ways to not contribute to fast fashion. This misconception can also be implemented in other sectors of purchasing.

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Affordable ways to not contribute to unethical mass productions:

• Purchase only what you need! When investing in specific items you love you not only have items that will last longer but you are less likely to binge shop.

• Look out for second hand or preloved items. Facebook marketplace and Carousell are one of many great options to purchase second hand. Oftentimes, if you are located close enough to the seller, you may even ask for a viewing before opting to purchase.

• Shop local! By shopping locally, you are supporting the goods made in your community and reduce the environmental impact that is created if you were to shop from brands overseas. Buying food items local farmers/brands reduces the fuel consumption and pollution of oversea shipments of goods.

However, I tried to do whatever I could to make sure that I produced the least amount of waste possible. For instance, test printing is a common habit for designers to check how their designs would look when printed. I would make sure to scale my designs as small as I could to not waste ink. I also keep hold of all my previous projects to repurpose the materials later on.

How do I become a sustainable graphic designer?

Becoming a sustainable graphic designer doesn’t necessarily mean you use eco friendly inks or only print on ethically manufactured paper but there are smaller habits that allow you to take those beginning steps.

For instance, if you work from home often, try switching to an energy efficient LED light bulb; they last longer! There are already habits that many of us practice that may be unknowingly sustainable, but many of us don’t do it correctly for it to be considered.

The Department of Environment Malaysia has great information to learn more about E-waste disposal in Malaysia. On their website, they have a complete list of official E-waste collection points categorised by state.

You should also consider the way you work. Personally, I try to reduce the amount of times I print my drafts out for testing and if I do, I try to print on scrap paper to make the most amount of use of each sheet.

As designers, we are instantly tied to businesses that produce waste but remember that there are always ways where we can reduce our carbon footprints that does not take a chunk of our savings.

Sustainable Habits:

1. Reduce your white space! When printing out a design, use up the document to its entirety to reduce the number of sheets you need to produce.

2. Can your end product be reused into something else before it ends up in a landfill? Think ahead and give it a second chance.

3. Less is more. Does your name card have to be the standard size? Stand out and be more innovative with downsizing where you can.

4. Print marketing materials such as flyers on 100% recycled papers as they are the first to end up in the trash.

5. Avoid designing on plastics and prioritise your options for a more sustainable method.

6. Give it a second life: give your product a second chance at life so that it reduces the possibility of ending up in landfillAvoid designing for plastics or other unsustainable options. Always prioritize researching another option.

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Local Design Resources

xPrint

• xPrint, an ISO 14001:2004 certified print company, aims to reduce their environmental impact by mainly using eco-friendly inks striving to reduce as much waste as possible.

  • Their inks are made up of soybeans, flax, chinawood, castor, canola and safflower which is not only better for the environment but also makes it easier to recycle paper

• Operating through a system of procedures such as environmental management, quality controls and health & safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment for everyone involved.

• xPrint also provides services to develop eco-friendly products where some are made up of recycled materials that do not harm the environment from its production up to disposal.

NextGreen Global Berhad

• Nextgreen Global Berhad is one of Malaysia’s leading print companies that specialises in printing magazines and books. Their staff monitors their dispense of waste that is generated through production where hazardous waste is separated and stored. The waste is collected from a licensed agent under the Environment Quality Act 1974.

• Over time, they have grown to diversify their business venturing into sustainability where they introduced Green Technology Park (GTP). GTP was introduced as a zero waste zone and a green industry model that aims towards higher environmental consciousness through focusing on the production of non-wood paper from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) through renewable energy.

• GTP contributes to: Reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions,Reducing waste by converting by-products to valuable commodities, Promote renewable energy.

Imprint

• Accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Imprint takes part in responsible printing. The FSC promotes environmentally appropriate and economically feasible management of the world’s forests.

• Imprint offers and suggests to their clients the choice of using environmentally conscious materials such as soy ink and papers while maintaining the company’s policy: reducing waste and balance - recycling.

  • Benefits of soy-ink: The oil derived from soybeans allows the pigments to develop their full potential, producing rich vibrant colours which means materials can be printed with less ink resulting in a lower cost. Soy based inks deliver higher quality prints compared to petroleum based inks.

  • They prove improved rub resistance which is an important factor for newspaper productions.

Eco Palm

• Eco Palm is a recycling-based company focusing on eco-friendly solutions committing to utilising innovative technologies to treat agricultural waste, producing ‘green’ products contributing to environmental conservation.

• As one of the world’s first operations to produce 50,000 tonne/year EFB pulp and paper plants in Pahang, the EFB produced is marketed to the paper industry as raw materials.

• The company promises to supply positive socio-economic development that benefits the people and develops the industry in Pahang.

• Eco Palm’s goal is to develop new global commodities in the form of EFB papers to reduce the reliance on wood-based paper.

Local Sustainable & Ethical Brands

Clean & Beauty:

The Mineraw

• Skincare is very important to many individuals, The Mineraw founded by Jidienne Ibañez who focuses on curating sustainably sourced products inspired by “a connection to the earth and a love for nature & the human body”. Each product is handcrafted in small batches packaged in recycled and reusable containers.

TLC @tlcmalaysia_official

• The Truly Loving Company offers sustainable cleaning products that can be found at big chain grocery stores. 100% of their dividends goes to charities and they are constantly promoting the protection of the environment through their TLC green line and initiatives.

Kinder Soaps

• Specialising in natural products for sensitive skin, Kinder Soaps is environmentally conscious in everything they do from choice of product to packaging

Fashion & Lifestyle:

Sayang

• Sayang is a homegrown clothing brand that works closely with an ethical production house that focuses on empowering underprivileged women providing them flexible working hours under fair wages.

Biji Biji

• Biji Biji is an ethical fashion label committed to standing by their sustainable agenda. They re-purpose materials such as seatbelts and deadstock fabrics into bags and apparels. Biji Biji promises that there is no forced and child labour involved where their workers are paid a fair wage, in a safe working environment.

Food:

Alif Cooking Oil

• With the amount of cooking oil we purchase, why not go for a brand that is doing good? Alif is certified by the Roundtable on sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), meeting strict environmental and human rights regulations. Alif focuses on reducing the impact on biodiversity and the fair treatment of their workers that meet both local and international standards.

Cloud Catcher - Coffee Manufacturer

• Cloud Catcher believes in maintaining sustainable relationships with their farmers from helping them to improve their quality of coffee and keeping them in business.

• They source their products responsibly through Project Origin and the Chapola Project where farmers are paid above the fair rate.

Blurb

Have you ever wondered how you can practice sustainability as a graphic designer? Alia shares the first steps of her journey and what you can do to start yours. From useful tips to resources, this book is perfect for those who are aiming to live more sustainably.