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The purpose of this project was to develop a sciencebased course, Environmental Sustainability Issues for Designers and Merchandisers. The course emphasis was on scientific concepts underlying textile-related environmental problems; the focus was on the "cradle to cradle" design model as an approach for eliminating environmental problems during the design phase of a product's life cycle. Industry case studies were used to exemplify the "cradle to cradle" application. This course filled an apparel and interior education and curriculum void related to the environmental impact of design and merchandising decisions.
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). The ultimate goal of sustainable development is human health and wellbeing in economic, environmental, and social systems (Crofton, 2000). However, the production of textiles, which are used extensively in apparel and interior products, are major contributors to environmental problems that begin with raw material production and continue through manufacturing and dyeing to their final disposal in landfills. Petrochemicals, the raw materials for synthetic fibers are nonrenewable resources. Textile manufacturing uses a huge amount of water and energy; on average, approximately 20 gallons of water are required to produce 1 pound of textile product (EPA, 1996).
As early as 1970, Papanek (1971) saw the role designers could play in solving environmental problems. He wrote that in this age of mass production when everything must be planned, design has become the most powerful tool with which humans shape their environments. Environmental performance of textiles can be improved if interior and apparel designers and merchandisers require more environmentally-friendly products from manufacturers. However, according to Mackenzie (1997), in most places, design has not been taught in the context of its social and ecological impact. Many designers assumed that their area of responsibility was limited to function and appearance.
The purpose of this project was to develop a new course, Environmental Sustainability Issues for Designers and Merchandisers, that was grounded in science concepts and that educated interior and apparel design and merchandising students about the environmental issues of design and product selection.
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Approach
Traditional manufacturing is a one-way "cradle to grave" model that does not consider the materials after use,...