How Can Graphic Design Help Save the Planet?

For decades, graphic design has been used in conjunction with advertising and marketing to sell things. In the 1930’s it was cigarettes in the 1950’s and 60’s it was televisions, fast food and Tupperware, in the 1970’s it was Ziploc bags. Today, consumers are caught in the middle of an advertising battle and left to wade through messaging from brands that are trying to do good for the planet, those who are still prioritizing profit over the planet, and – the worst – those who make claims to help the planet but re actually continuing to still do the most harm. Commonly known as greenwashing.

If advertising and marketing, and thus graphic design, have so much power to influence people, why not use it for good? Scientists can do all of the research in the world about climate change, but if the public doesn’t feel inclined to read it, or even worse, they read it but don’t understand it, there will be no movement, no change, no advocacy. It takes a village and we all need to use our individual skillsets and expertise to work together to ignite action to fight climate change. It wasn’t until I understood this principle that I genuinely believed that my career as a graphic designer mattered in the world and could actually help save the planet.

Here are a few ways I believe graphic design can help save the planet:

1. Design Makes Science Easier to Understand
   Using visual communication, design makes environmental causes more accessible and understandable to a broader range of people, helping everyone understand environmental issues, not just scientists. Well-designed visuals like infographics, illustrations, maps and charts can make data and research easier to digest and understand for the general population. When a person gains knowledge on a topic they’re passionate about, they’re more likely to feel empowered to stand up for the causes they believe in.

2. Design Has the Power to Influence People
   Good design and well-branded environmental campaigns or sustainable products are more likely to get noticed and gain supporters. Much like advertising in the standard business world, branding, marketing strategy and messaging are all important in a consumer’s decision-making process when it comes to causes.

3. Designers Can Help Others Make Eco-Friendly Choices
   Designers are in a position to influence their clients or employers on sustainable printing and packaging choices. These better choices have the power to reduce impacts on the environment through things like helping minimize waste in the landfills through suggesting recycled or easily recyclable materials or sourcing local materials.

Groups like Climate Designers and Clean Creatives are already leading the change by bringing designers together to do design for good.

Are you ready to hire a graphic designer to help with your cause to save to planet? Let’s chat!