Can design be a sustainable solution to ‘Make Poverty History’?

Organic cotton. Fairtrade. Ethical consumerism. Reducing my carbon footprint. Sustainable Design?! To shop or not to shop at Primark?! I’m an eco-conscious designer and even I am confused by all of this! So how do we balance the environment, ethics and our love for shopping?

Last year I travelled to the rural areas of North Thailand armed with my camera and sketchbook to find a viable solution to my eco-designer dilemmas. I spent my 6 month quest working alongside different NGOs and Sustainable Development projects investigating how I can help save the world through my sustainable design ideas. I was amazed how each project was tackling major social issues such as poverty, prostitution, child labour, drug trafficking and empowerment simply through the use of craft-based employment.

Although it’s hard to be 100% perfect all the time, I was unable to overlook the high levels of waste and at one village leftover dye was thrown onto the ground which their chickens ate off! I worked alongside the local artisans and tribal villagers to develop production methods, natural dyes, ways of using local materials and reducing waste and environmental damage. As I began my challenge I soon realised the immense complexity and reality of combining sustainable development with design. As soon as one sustainable question is answered, a whole minefield of others appear. I found that by answering one, another was compromised. Can all be juggled at the same time or do you focus on one and hope that the others are answered as a result? But, which is more significant? Money? The environment? People? Surely they are equally important?

The local villagers I lived with helped me to find a sense of balance. Over generations they have learnt how to be in tune with their environment and are therefore knowledgeable in ways of sustaining it. They understand their link to it for survival and their role in maintaining the natural equilibrium. I was taught how to use raw materials with minimal impact on the environment. In exchange I improved their production methods and provided training and education on business, product quality, global trends and ways of accessing commercial markets. In doing so sustainable craft-based employment was achieved and money was generated through the sale of beautiful handicraft products.

Having now returned to the UK have I saved the planet?! Of course not! But I’d like to think that I did do some good. As a designer I used to think that I could never have as much impact as a doctor or politician in a world of suffering. Having lived and worked in Thailand I no longer think that this is true and believe, with conviction, in the important role that design innovation plays in supporting the developing world to overcome poverty and harm.

This experience has provided me with knowledge and understanding which I will be able to use within my future work. In April of this year my next journey begins in South India, working with tribal villages who have skills in weaving and jewellery making. I believe that even the smallest things we do to help can and will benefit our world. Fair enough they won’t answer all the problems… but it’s a start.

© Sarah Lee