Last year I wrote a wee book that posed the idea that Barbie should become the poster child for the "green movement." While I think we're well beyond some of our naive ideas about the word "green," I was reminded that many continue to be overwhelmed by the shift in conversation — and are left wondering how to uncover the truth in this message of a more sustainable future. Here's an excerpt:

And so, this is why I have been toying with (pun intended) how Barbie (a fake plastic pop icon) might speak to the issue of changing to a greener life. If the switch to green continues to be about how we respond to the external qualities of our life (and not the deeper roots of our existence), maybe Barbie could justify our wayward ways. In her 50-year history, Barbie has represented many things. She is both traditional and controversial. She has responded to various cultural realities by turning herself into an animal-loving anthropocentric or a calculator-carrying corporate maven. Last year, a Muslim Barbie was developed to allow for a new era of doll based on the values and traditions of the Muslim culture. If this culture wanted a doll to reflect its values with alternative external apparel, could Barbie speak to the ideologies of green similarly? Are we suggesting that what you add to the outside reflects what is really going on inside?

Do you agree? Do you think people continue to be overwhelmed or have we navigated a reasonable path at this point?

If you want to read more, here's where to get your hands on it: I Am Not A Plastic Bag

Have you seen?

The new Green?
Comments forthcoming.

Watch out for GreenWashers

This is why I am doing my thesis. "Doing your research" and "the FCC is looking at regulations" is referenced in this piece. I'm interested in how the consumer will adjust to what is not yet discussed even if they were the most intentional humans on the planet. We're still caught in a ubiquitous and ambiguous dilemma.

Lexicon strikes again

A new workforce is emerging apparently. Are we really changing the type of work people will do or are we just refashioning an updated blue hue?

Even Kermit says so

How We Understand

Here's a quote I read somewhere and recently recovered in my sketch book. It seems to summarize some of my hunches about how the message of green has the potential to remain ineffective when the persuasive takes over:

A yeshiva boy - a young man studying in a rabbinical college - took instruction from three rabbis. A friend asked him his reactions.

"The first I found very difficult, disorganized, and poorly explained, but I understood what he was saying. The second was a lot clearer, and much more clever. I understood part of that."

"And the third? They say he is very good."

"Oh. He was brilliant! Such a magnificent, resonant voice - it flowed as if from the heart. I was transported to realms beyond my imagining! So articulate, so lucid - and I didn't understand a word."

And yes, in case you were wondering, the most persuasive of them all has gone green.

Green Living

I attended the Green Living Show this weekend. And had some pretty interesting conversations (and a photo op to boot!).

I was eavesdropping a fair bit while at the MetroVancouver booth. When a woman asked, "If I can't do worms, how do I compost?" I had to jump in. I was pleased to be able to participate in her inquiry since this has been of interest to me as I consider how to answer my own questions on green. MV is apparently working on getting community composting units for those of us who dwell in apartments where worms and the like aren't an option. But we're only at the testing stage. Well, at least we know. They had a good laugh when I told them my landlord had threatened eviction if I didn't recycle. Yeah, no jurisdiction, baby.

I also asked many people why they thought their company or organization was green. Many got defensive at first. Until I clarified that I was researching this and not attacking their business. Then they could answer (and some did so quite authentically) about how they do (or do not) fit this green living gusto. One man, who has his product in Walmart (who was also there representin' all its green-ness), said he figures that the corporation is ready for green (because it's in their best interest) but he's not sure the Walmart demographic is quite there yet. Another woman, who works at a travel agency that will offset a portion of all flights booked through them, says she's heard many different opinions from people. Her favorite? That the green movement is just like the Catholic Church: it also requires penance.

I left feeling like I learned something but I wonder if it was because I knew what I was looking for? A quick word with a Hydro employee brought to the surface the idea that sometimes we need a personal experience to change our activities. We see crying children in Africa on television or the web regularly. But do we give? But something happens to us when we go to Africa, see the children and are personally affected by their reality.

So I'm asking: How do you create a private conversion on a public issue?

Graphic Design Does

I've wondered if my profession had as much to say about green as say, the Industrial Design community. And then I came upon this conference (that I'd love to attend) and got excited.

And in other news, I love the irony in the tease.

This is Green

The wall before the interactivity ensued.

Upcoming Exhibit

My submission was accepted into the upcoming student show at the Concourse Gallery at Emily Carr. The opening is on January 30 from 7-9pm.

Is Green For Sale?

I use the sale tag in my blog  header because I'm beginning to wonder if we view "green" as simply a commodity. A walk into any local store reveals that everyone is taking their inspiration from nature. It's now hip, rather than hippie, to go green. And there was a time when even I thought this was a grand idea. But as time goes on, I continue to see the issues surrounding our consumerism that perpetuates this. 

A study that emerged out of the UK highlights how green can be used to promote purchase more than bring into question why we keep shopping. To me, this falls into the category of rhetoric. The emotional appeals make us feel better about keeping on at the current pace. 

It would seem green sells. But at what cost really?