Face it, we are designers. We’re a visual group who think by observation and spatial relationships. We also have a significant amount of gray matter which leads us to think beyond just “how it looks” to consider “how it acts.” I am impressed with a simple water bottle.
- Yes, water bottles can be horrible for the environment; not very sustainable.
- Yes, having a water bottle nearby can lead to folks drinking an appropriate amount of water for the health of the human body; very sustainable.
We recycle paper, aluminum cans, and water bottles in my office. We just think it’s the right thing to do. Besides that, my three children are Montessori educated (it is very important to realize how all things are related) so they were really the reason behind why we started recycling. And recyclables pick up is fairly easy in our part of Atlanta.
Back to the water bottle: the new bottle feels different, it’s more shapely (fits in your hand better). It also has a newer “crackle” to the plastic when you hold it when it’s nearly empty. The label says…
“Eco-ShapeTM Bottle, Deer Park Brand.
Our bottle looks and feels different because it’s purposely designed with an average of 30% less plastic to be easier on the environment. We can all make a difference, please recycle.”
The impressive part is that someone at Deer Park (or their plastic bottle supplier) sat down and thought about something in a new way. They didn’t just keep replicating “what we did yesterday.” I like that.
—Lisa Stacholy, AIA
Comments (3)
Thanks Rick, it's nice to be appreciated.
And for me, until prices for raw recycling materials go up, I have the honor of paying $15/yr to the County Sanitation department for the privilege to recycle my trash. Ah well, at least it keeps the kids busy :)
Keep On INtegrating!
Posted by Lisa Stacholy | January 30, 2009 2:03 PM
Posted on January 30, 2009 14:03
Nice forum, by the way. I like the "integrated" philosophy inherent in a blog about water bottles!
Our office added a second bin for composting everyone's lunch scraps, coffee grinds and tea bags, etc. I walk it home every week and add to my pile. Have been considering a "worm bin" for the office to simplify the chore.
So many things like this which aren't directly about "practice" but which build a culture of authenticity about intentions in an office.
Posted by Rick Hauser, AIA, LEED AP, Partner, In. Site: Architecture | January 27, 2009 9:29 AM
Posted on January 27, 2009 09:29
I like it too.I think the more people start to understand recycling the easier it will be to sell sustainable design. Now to get the prices back up for raw recyclable material.
Posted by Louis Smith, AIA, NOMA | January 23, 2009 6:05 PM
Posted on January 23, 2009 18:05