6Rs •  SUSTAINABLE DESIGN  • TWERPS*

Video by *Chris Standford at LEARN D&T

The 6R’s is a shorthand method of describing the different ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment as designers and consumers.

In the diagram below they are arranged in a hierarchy of effectiveness. From most effective to least effective.

Refusing to use unsustainable products and systems has 100% reduction in our impact.

Recycling has very little impact, especially in the cases where when we pay other countries to take our recycling and bury it as landfill.

Designers have a moral duty to produce sustainable designs and products that benefit humans and the planet.

How can you apply these methods at every stage of your designing?