ALR designletter # 2.1
Welcome to the second year of publication of the ALR designletter, a semi-regular update on the activities at Another Limited Rebellion design, the world of socially conscious design, and beyond. Much has changed at our office and in the world since our first issue and we hope that you still find the topics within useful and interesting. As always we welcome your comments, suggestions, criticism and praise.
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ALR news
ALR was recently honored by the Richmond, Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). The Target Margin Theater 2000-2001 Season brochures were chosen for inclusion in their first annual GRADE (Greater Richmond Area Design Excellence) Awards program. They were one of only 51 total entries selected for inclusion and also received an Outstanding Merit Award from the judges. See http://www.richmond.aiga.org/ for more info.
activism
"Fast Track" legislation, which gives the President trade negotiation abilities formerly reserved for Congress, was passed by the House this past December by only one vote. This means that the struggle to promote Fair Trade over Free Trade has become even more difficult, but what can be done now? Global Trade Watch, a division of the Ralph Nader founded Public Citizen, is dedicated to educating the public on the effects of economic globalization. Visiting their site http://www.tradewatch.org is a good way to start. They provide news updates along with suggested actions and even a vote chart. Check to see how your representatives voted and let them know what you think about legislation that promotes international business interests over health, safety and job security.
human rights
One of the most harrowing aspects of modern warfare is that once the battle has ended the death toll and injuries continue thanks to the wide-spread use of landmines. To date the US has not joined the over 140 countries that have signed the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and efforts to get the US to participate are even more pertinent in light of recent world events. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which was a co-laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, instigated the treaty and is still working for global ratification of the ban as well as to help the innocent victims of mines. To help with the campaign or learn more go to http://www.icbl.org/
environment
One in five people on the planet are unable to see the Milky Way with the naked eye on a clear night according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While most people are aware of the various forms of pollution that affect our environment, few are aware of the impact of light pollution. Why should that concern us? Aside from reducing visibility for astronomers and causing wildlife migration changes, the use of poorly designed outdoor lighting costs billions of dollars in wasted electricity. The Arizona based International Dark-Sky Association is working to remedy this situation through education and advocacy. Their site http://www.darksky.org provides sources for good lighting fixtures, tools for educators, and other ways to help.
(Source: Christian Science Monitor)
clothing
Most clothing manufacturers have taken the easy route to profit these days and moved their production to underdeveloped countries where low paid workers keep costs to a minimum. American Apparel has taken a different approach. By streamlining operations they have been able to run a tee-shirt and knitwear manufacturing plant in the US that is not only profitable, but pays a decent wage. Providing education opportunities along with health care benefits for it's employees American Apparel has shown that one can be competitive while still being compassionate. Though currently selling just to wholesalers their site http://americanapparel.net does list distributors in the US, Canada, and Japan.
health
These days buying bottled water is as common buying a soda, but according to a study by the National Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group, many brands are no better or even worse than tap water. Most people who choose to drink bottled water do so for health reasons but rules for testing tap water are actually more stringent in most areas. To read the full report go to: http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/bwinx.asp
(Source: Co-op America's Real Money October 2001)
home
During the cold winter months those of you lucky enough to have a working fireplace have an environmentally sound option when it comes to the pleasures of a roaring fire. Artificial fire logs (like the ones made by Duraflame) are made from recycled industrial waste that normally makes it's way into landfills. Not only do they produce less smoke, they also release 88 percent less carbon monoxide.
(Source: Christian Science Monitor 1/2/02)
recycling
With rapid changes in technology the latest gadgets seem to be nearly useless within months, but when it comes to cell phones, those out-of-date hunks of plastic are still valuable. Two organizations offer socially responsible ways to recycle them:
Donate a Phone's Call To Protect program takes donated cell phones and refurbishes them to speed dial 911 and provides them with free airtime to survivors of domestic abuse. Their site is http://www.donateaphone.com/index2.cfm
Collective Good also recycles used phones, but sells them at reduces rates and then donates the profits to a non-profit organization of the donor's choosing. A list of organizations they currently support can be found on their site along with ways to get new groups involved at http://collectivegood.com/
green consumer
Green Disk completes the recycling picture for modern offices. Not only do they accept used floppy disks, CDs, and video tapes for recycling, but they also sell the remanufactured results. Their site http://www.greendisk.com/ will show you their products along with where to buy them retail and how to participate in their recycling program.
bookshelf
Last issue we mentioned the book No Logo by Naomi Klein, but what we didn't know was that there is a companion website: http://www.nologo.org/. The site features additional resources, the latest anti-logo news, a public comment forum, as well as reviews and excerpts from the book so you don't just have to take my word on it.
nosh
Can you think of a better way to connect with people all over the word and show the power of laughter than by making hats out of balloons? Well that's Charlie Eckert and Addi Somekh's theory and they put it to the test with their Balloon Hat Project. Photos from their seven world trips can be found at http://www.balloonhat.com/ and you can judge the success of their campaign yourself.
in closing
Thanks for your time and feel free to contact us with suggestions for future issues, web sites to check out, or just to say "Howdy".
Thank you,
Noah Scalin, founder
ALR design
socially conscious graphic design
noah@alrdesign.com
http://www.ALRdesign.com
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