Stefania Sansoni and George E. Torrens
The aim of the study presented is to provide an overview of the current understanding and approach of graphic designers towards environmental sustainability. Within this study, we include a survey exploring the awareness among graphic design students and staff of this topic and discuss integrating sustainability within current professional practice. The topic of ‘greenwashing’ is also reviewed and discussed. Advertising invests heavily in profiling their target market to understand their culture, values, motivations, and language. They use this knowledge to predict purchasing decision-making and behaviours, but little or no consideration appears to be given to the environmental impact of their products. The outcomes of this study will be incorporated into teaching resources that will be made freely available to students, other educators and practising graphic designers.
KEYWORDS: environmental sustainability, graphic design, greenwashing
RSD TOPIC(S): Learning & Education, Socioecological Design