( RE )
THE GREEN GUIDE
WEBSITE + ART DIRECTION & ILLUSTRATION
( RE ) tackles the disproportionate post-life treatment between paper and plastic packaging by taking preventative and restorative approaches. This guide provides information, resources and alternatives for the everyday person to incorporate sustainability into their lives.
WHO
Brandi Chang [Designer]
WHAT
Web Design
Art Direction
Illustration
Visual Identity
Art Direction
Illustration
Visual Identity
WHEN
Jan 2021 → May 2021
WHERE
University of San Francisco
[Thesis]
[Thesis]
[STAGE 1]
Research
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
According to the EPA (2018), plastic containers and packaging ended up in landfill 4.5 times more than paper and paperboard containers and packaging in the U.S.
THE MAIN QUESTION
What factors prevent recycling and/or encourage landfill? Often this comes down to improving four categories:
Lack of recycling knowledge
LACK OF RECYCLING INCENTIVE
Lack of product recycling information
Lack of access to recycling resources
SOLUTIONS AT THE SOURCE
Two waste management models used at larger scales are the Waste Hierarchy and the Circular Economy (below). Using these models as a foundation, I started planning a guide to address the four categories.
WASTE HIERARCHY
Prioritizes reduction and reusing over recycling; decreases overconsumption habits
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Self-circulating waste management system; products are designed for a cycle of reuse and waste does not exist
[STAGE 2]
Planning &
Development
Development
SITE PLAN
One page to address each category:
+ (re)learn recycling knowledge
+ (re)evaluate current habits and incentives
+ (re)place common products
+ learn about resources like Recology and TerraCycle
+ (re)learn recycling knowledge
+ (re)evaluate current habits and incentives
+ (re)place common products
+ learn about resources like Recology and TerraCycle
EARLY BRAINSTORMING
Friendly - Inviting - Playful
This one-stop website for the start of an eco-friendly lifestyle needed to be welcoming and communicate the simplicity of sustainable living.
This one-stop website for the start of an eco-friendly lifestyle needed to be welcoming and communicate the simplicity of sustainable living.
HUMANIZING THE LIFESTYLE
If the Earth had a mascot, what would it look like? This character, designed to humanize the eco-lifestyle, would act as the supporting guide throughout the site. The name (re) was a natural fit, giving way to the name of this site:
( RE ) the green guide.
( RE ) the green guide.
DESIGN SYSTEM
[STAGE 3]
Building &
Final Designs
Final Designs
