How do you inspire sustainable material use in design?

1 Know your materials

Before you select a material for your design project, you need to understand its life cycle, from extraction to disposal. How much energy and water does it consume? How does it affect the ecosystems and communities where it is sourced? How can it be reused or recycled? How long does it last? How does it perform in different conditions? You can use tools like the Material Selection Tool or the Eco Materials Adviser to compare different materials and their environmental impacts.

2 Think circular

Circular design is a principle that aims to eliminate waste and pollution by designing products and systems that keep materials in use for as long as possible. This means designing for durability, repairability, modularity, and recyclability. You can also consider using materials that are biodegradable or compostable, or that can be returned to the manufacturer for regeneration. Circular design can help you reduce costs, extend the lifespan of your products, and create new business opportunities.

3 Explore alternatives

Sometimes, the best way to inspire sustainable material use in design is to challenge yourself to find new or unconventional solutions. You can experiment with different materials, such as biomimetic materials that mimic nature, or bio-based materials that are derived from plants or animals. You can also explore materials that have multiple functions, such as smart materials that react to stimuli, or adaptive materials that change shape or color. You can also look for inspiration from other cultures, disciplines, or sectors that use materials differently.

4 Engage your stakeholders

Sustainable material use in design is not only a technical issue, but also a social and ethical one. You need to consider the needs, preferences, and values of your stakeholders, such as your clients, customers, users, suppliers, or partners. You can involve them in your design process, by conducting research, co-creating solutions, or testing prototypes. You can also communicate the benefits and trade-offs of your material choices, by using storytelling, visualization, or certification. By engaging your stakeholders, you can create more meaningful and impactful designs.

5 Learn and improve

Sustainable material use in design is not a one-time decision, but a continuous process of learning and improvement. You need to monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of your material choices, by using metrics, indicators, or feedback. You can also learn from best practices, case studies, or peer networks that showcase innovative and successful examples of sustainable material use in design. You can also seek feedback, advice, or collaboration from experts, mentors, or communities that can help you improve your skills and knowledge.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?