In the past few weeks, we have learned about existing environmental issues and the causes behind them. We have also reflected on ourselves. This week, we started discussing solutions to the problems.This time, the solution revolves around two interesting concepts: ‘Cradle-to-Grave’ and ‘Cradle-to-Cradle.’ And here, I would like to incorporate this concept into the interior design I have studied for some discussion.
What is Cradle-to-Grave? McDonough and Braungart (2019) define it as a linear economic model in which products are not considered for recycling and reuse throughout their entire life cycle, from production to final disposal. In addition to recyclability, some materials themselves are also harmful.
(PDF) life cycle assessment: Assessing the environmental impact in the railway maintenance. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326665770_Life_cycle_assessment_Assessing_the_environmental_impact_in_the_railway_maintenance (Accessed: 30 November 2024).
According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2012), materials such as paints and adhesives, as well as many common building materials, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause indoor air pollution harmful to the health of occupants.So traditional interior design clearly reflects the cradle-to-grave design model.
What about Cradle-to-Cradle? Cradle-to-Cradle design aims to eliminate waste by making all materials reusable (McDonough and Braungart, 2019).
Cradle-to-cradle design. | download scientific diagram. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Cradle-to-cradle-design_fig2_373281917 (Accessed: 30 November 2024).
I found a typical example. Steelcase Think Chair, a paragon of sustainable office furniture, has been recognized by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry for its material safety, detachable design, and recyclability (Steelcase, 2016). First of all, more than ninety percent of the materials used in the Think Chair can be recycled and reused, and they do not contain any harmful chemicals. Its disassemblability also prevents it from becoming a monstrous hybrid, making it easier to repair and recycle, thereby extending the product’s lifespan.In order to ensure the technology is utilized, Steelcase also maintains a product recycling program to ensure these materials can be reused.
Steelcase, 2016. Sustainability at Steelcase: Cradle to Cradle Certification. [online] Available at: https://www.steelcase.com [Accessed 21 October 2024].
But in reality, the Cradle-to-Cradle model is still too idealistic.First of all, even though more than 90% of the materials in the Think Chair are recyclable, actually achieving the recycling of these materials requires very high research costs and the establishment of a very complex recycling network. Some regions and industries lack the conditions to do this globally. Secondly, even if there are recycling programs in place, consumers may not necessarily participate actively and might end up discarding the products directly. Moreover, the rapid iteration of technology and changes in aesthetic trends may accelerate the rate at which users replace products. Second, although the design itself is already modular and simple to disassemble, the use of mixed materials such as plastics and metals makes deconstruction and reuse still challenging.This will make the entire process from design to production much more complicated.
As designers, we need to find a balance between ideals and reality.For example, in the case of the Think Chair, perhaps society and the government should invest in and promote the construction of global recycling facilities and the development of technology, making the entire network parallel. On this basis, brands can increase the transparency of their product recycling processes and enhance brand loyalty through design, attracting consumers to participate in recycling programs and reducing replacement frequency. For designers, they can focus more on localizing the design to make the product’s recycling plan more reasonable.
My thoughts remain the same as before.By analyzing the example of the Steelcase Think Chair, it can be seen that this model still faces many practical challenges in real-world applications, such as complex recycling systems, high costs, and the uncertainty of consumer behavior. Nevertheless, the Cradle-to-Cradle design approach also demonstrates the potential to achieve environmentally friendly goals through modular design, non-toxic materials, and recyclability, standing in stark contrast to the traditional Cradle-to-Grave model.Through continuous efforts and improvements, the concept of Cradle-to-Cradle has the potential to truly transform design practices and contribute to global sustainable development.
Bibliography：
1.Braungart, M. and McDonough, W. (2019) Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. London: Vintage Classics.
2.US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2012. An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). [online] Available at: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality [Accessed 21 October 2024].
