Thanks for the question, a.b. As a culture we’re increasingly searching and working for more meaning yet what we consume is becoming more meaningless. So what does media have to do with any of it? At its best, I believe media can teach us more about ourselves. And it can do that by taking a closer look at our everyday lives.
My show will attempt to inform people about the psychology of pricing and the consequences of disposable design by telling the stories of Americans of all backgrounds. Does shopping at Walmart, Target, or Ikea, help us save money? Have you bought anything in the last 10 years that would last or “get better with age” in another 10 years? Or would you think to pass any of those items on as heirlooms?
Unfortunately for an overwhelming majority of us, the answers to all those questions would be a resounding ‘no.’ Disposable design is meaningless. Most of our foods aren’t nourishing and most of our products don’t last so we find ourselves in a system where we consume less substance more often. My show will illustrate the environmental, financial, and personal toll it has taken. A strong focus will be on how we can use the money we have to go from consuming disposable design to consuming sustainable design.
"Now THAT'S one wall i'd like to take to dinner" might be something you'd hear at a house with vegetation growing on the walls, ceiling & floor, inside &/or outside, according some eco-friendly designers of ours.
"Have we gone inside & left our nature out in the rain" exactly where it ought to be? But really, are 'WE' TOday... MEdia, as a modern quickly becoming global... culture...? Are we more disconnected from farming than we could be, or our parents & grandparents were? Sustainable design is the pillar of mankind's resources, yet why we destroy it & rarely replace it, is a history far too often retold, remodeled & refurbished.
It's time to say "out with the old (you) & in this the green you" and were not talking money here. Sustainable design can come from vegetation itself! Plastics, are...ahhh...
what again?
What's the name of that stuff, OH cellulose, oh yeah!
Ba'who'da'thun'kit!?
Funny how we only get the butt of the story, the END of the "sales pitch"...
[a polysaccharide (C6H10O5)x of glucose units that constitutes the chief part of the cell walls of plants, occurs naturally in such fibrous products as cotton and kapok, and is the raw material of many manufactured goods (as paper, rayon, and cellophane) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cellulose ]
...otherwise, spelled, 'end user' in some languages, 'consumers' in others...
Our future is waiting for us to put our hands (producers) back on our arms
(community) & them put our hands, back in the soil for some & water for
others. Now, don't get me wrong, producers are helpful...butt-
Have we allowed nature to become a stranger to us?
The technology has been around long enough,
in one or two hands. Give us the formula please,
so we can recycle our leaves, trash, plastics, etc...
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt entry; you've inspired us.
Peace to gardens WiTHiN; and also in our homes,
a.
I especially like the idea of seeing where products' life cycles begin and end. Beyond saying why some are unsustainable, I would also like to hear about what better options I and others might have.
Absolutely Jay! In illustrating the beginning-to-end of a food or product This Disposable Life will take the viewer from a local to global perspective, mapping an items mileage and business trips. It will talk about the design deficiency and opportunities that exist in each pit stop, showcase success stories, as well as discuss how people can help address the design deficiency. The show will attempt to demonstrate how design creates a complex web that spans the world and connects users to producers and vice versa.
Rukesh, you've pitched a valuable series very well. I think this will drive the Green Movement forward. As you put it, the need for such a program has never been greater.
From the title, it sounds like a good series for radio; it may also succeed in webisodes or podcasts.
I agree with the person who'd like to see each episode highlight environmentally sound alternatives, especially affordable ones that exist or are in development. Your primary audience is likely to be just starting out on their own - or, regardless of age, aware of the economy and their own budgets - and will struggle to balance their ideals with material realities. I'm confident you'll address this concern in language which includes those who are new to Green thinking or live in-/outside of the greenest areas.
I think your series will attract an enthusiastic audience and make a great impact.
I think this is a great and pertinent idea. I’d argue that we’ve seen many environmental groups take up the issue of wastefulness during the past decade; however, it doesn’t appear that there is much work on connecting this problem to current design principles. I’ll be interested in seeing what global brands you investigate as part of this mission. I hope your idea is chosen not only because it is interesting but because this work is quite necessary if we are serious about promoting and achieving sustainable living.
Few people I know speak as passionately or think as creatively as Rukesh about the impact of media on the world.
Business models in media are changing rapidly and Rukesh's background in social entrepreneuership, as well as social "intrapreneurship", leaves him well positioned to lead the way in defining new models of production in this area.
He and I have often debated the future of television. I've been skeptical, but I know that his show would be one that I would watch.
This project would be an important step in changing not only U.S. consumption habits and product design, but also practices worldwide. People--on all levels, from consumer to designer--lack awareness of the consequences of decisions made in board rooms and how it impacts our livelihood and long-term sustainability. This is definitely a show that I would watch.
Le design est supposé être au service de l'homme, établir un pont entre l'art et le pratique. Aujourd'hui, le design est devenu un argument marketing déconnecté de la portée universelle qu'il doit avoir. Aussi, le remettre à sa place, montrer quels sont les enjeux du design dans notre vie quotidienne, quelle est aussi sa mission, constituent un projet nécessaire. Certains créateurs de mode ont commencé à intégrer cela et proposent des gammes de vêtement qui s'intègre dans une démarche de développement durable. Nonobstant, il est temps de passer à la vitesse supérieure car la maison brûle et nous regardons ailleurs.
Ton idée d'utiliser les moyens de communication actuels pour éduquer et faire prendre conscience à tous des conséquences d'un mauvais design fait mouche. Alors que trop souvent l'aspect développement durable est un gadget réservé aux populations aisées, la volonté de l'inscrire dans une réflexion globale est celle qui devrait pour nous tous être un réflexe. C'est pourquoi ta volonté de t'attarder sur les aspects financiers, environnementaux et personnels de la question sont pertinents.
Il est à croire que les compagnies prennent pour acquis que les masses pauvres se désintéressent de cette question. Dans le même temps, face à l'inertie des politiques, et particulièrement aux USA (refus de ratifier le protocole de Kyoto!), il convient d'utiliser le pouvoir du consommateur: sa volonté ou non d'acheter et donc de faire le marché. Si aujourd'hui l'offre façonne la demande et conduit à cette folle course vers la fin, ton projet serait un pavé dans la mare et le moyen de changer la demande pour que l'offre s'y conforme. est-ce là ton idée? Les aspects financier et social sont vitaux pour cette problématique.
Un seul regret, ou plutôt une seule question : Une version à destination des citoyens français est-elle prévue? Je l'espère. Et j'espère que le peuple américain aura l'occasion d'ouvrir ces yeux et travailler de nouveau à la tâche qu'il a si souvent accompli et incarné : la perpétuation de l'humanité dans tout ce qu'elle a de meilleur.
À votre bon cœur, Julien! Let me paraphrase your response in English:
‘Design has derailed from its original intent of serving people into a shallow marketing tool that has lost sight of its universal purpose. There is a strong need to show people how issues of design impact our daily lives. Your idea of using popular/existing channels of communication to educate and raise awareness of the consequences of bad design is spot on. Sustainable design is often made to be a privilege of the rich but we should think about how everyone can engage the issue. That’s why your focus on the financial, environmental, and personal impacts will be important. Given political inaction, particularly that of the USA (refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol) the power of the consumer is increasingly important to change the market. If today’s model led to this mad race to the end then your program will serve as a means of changing what we demand. Is this what you propose? The financial and social aspects are vital to this problematic situation. One regret or question: Will you produce a version for the French? I hope this show will be a wakeup call for the American people so that they can work back to the ideals they used to embody: the perpetuation of humanity at its best.'
While I would love to do a show in French someday my program will be geared towards Americans. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have French subtitles! Perhaps you could even do my voice over? And in terms of breaking the cycle I would like my show to mobilize people to be responsible designers of their own life. As Amina Massey beautifully said “Design is such a crucial part of effective and equitable distribution, and responsible consumption has the power to catalyze widespread social transformation. So much of our waste is avoidable. Once people are conscious of the impacts of design and distribution, we can push for responsible industry and production.”
As we have seen through the success of other recent media projects, for example--the year's top grossing documentary, Food Inc., numerous books by Michael Pollan, Ellen Ruppel Shell, etc, the issue of sustainability is one that has attracted wide-scale interest and concern among a diverse audience. This project builds on previous work, but goes further, by incorporating subjects beyond the food system and drawing our attention to broader, systematic questions on production and politics that influence every purchasing decisions. Though the aformentioned previous projects have laid important groundwork, there has not yet been a television show that focuses exclusively on equipping individuals with the background they need to become informed consumers. I think Rukesh's idea is timely and necessary and with his charisma, experience, and creativity, would likely draw a wide audience.
Leveraging aspects of mass media to use as tools to teach and empower is something I stand behind completely. Furthermore, I think the timing of this project could not be better. With so many Americans preoccupied with a slumping economy, it seems utterly imperative to remind audiences of the impact sustainable living can have on their personal lives (environmentally and financially). A discussion that involves the food we eat, clothes we wear, and disposable utilities we perpetually invest in promises to engage new spectators and generate critical discussions about everyday sustainability.
It is important that we deconstruct our own roles in the consumption of materials, so that we can truly grasp the scope of our own footprint. A great step toward this goal would be to analyze the products we interact with so regularly. Starting small in this way lends itself to a larger discussion which raises the questions:"What work does disposable design do?" and more importantly "what is my role in this problematic cycle?"
You have my support! If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know-
Yeah! Bring on the color! Steve, your post made me think about how we so often assume our decisions are black or white, right or wrong, when there's a lot more going on. I was reminded of what Rob Walker from the NYT Magazine one said
“We tend to want the new things. They can do something that has a different look, a fresher look, a new-now, next-now kind of look. And the problem with spending a lot of time focusing on what’s very-now, and very-next is that it isn’t very-forever and that means that it doesn’t last because there’s someone else coming along trying to design what’s now and next after that, and part of their agenda, whether it’s ever articulated or not, is to make what use to be now look like then so that people will buy the new now.“
With increasing success we - the people who fund it - have been silenced but you remind us that dissent protects democracy. It's time we spoke about the unspoken truths of disposable design because I am confident that if we know better we will do better.
1) The intended delivery medium of television helps to mainstream design processes and information that is too often the preserve of a very specific often extremely privileged (educationally and financially) population.
2) It has immense power to expose that the process of production and bringing a good to market is an intensely buyer-driven chain that we as consumers have SOOO MUCH power to impact.
3) In following this process viewers will have the opportunity to consider the actual value added by the parts of the commodity chain that are focused on the production of raw materials and manufacture (predominantly marginalized labor from the global South) in contrast with the downstream power holders that add value through retail and marketing. Such an analysis will hopefully cause viewers to think about alternative ways of engaging with this Post-Fordist system of production, that emphasizes the roles of global markets and corporations, and cause us to begin to more seriously embrace local production mechanisms.
4) Finally, Rukesh, I think you are uniquely situated to drive a project with such great potential because of your ability to engage in a process of critical rethink that moves beyond dwelling on intellectual and academic discourses to the proposal of pragmatic and implementable alternatives.
Steve Jobs (and probably many unknown people before him) proposed that design is ultimately about how a product/commodity/food works; the focus of “this disposable life” on helping its audience to engage in really thinking about the the life stages of a product/commodity/food and consider that in our analysis of how effectively it actually “works” is an audacious task but Rukesh with your passion, past experiences and unique perspective I have no doubt that in boldly and diligently taking on this challenge you will reach, educate and empower uncountable numbers of people. I cant wait to see this project happen!
This is a fantastic idea! I can already see the trailer now... a clip of the designer and design team at the table meeting with the client to a fast paced factory in china, the precarious journey on the boat, to the trash talk at the docks to the drama in the apple store, into the hands of a spoiled teenager whose parents bought him the latest gadget. (not trying to put down Apple, I love their stuff, just using it as an example of design for obsolescence)
This is great because it doesn't hit people over the head with guilt on the subject, but makes it fun and interesting- kind of like Dirty Jobs.
Seconded. I see immense potential in this idea and can't wait to watch the pilot. I envision one episode with a theme on our personal relationships with objects.
Products, nowadays, are being designed more with the 'use more/wear out' approach as opposed to 'use more/wear in' approach. Perhaps there could be an episode on this trend and how there are very few products (e.g., jeans) that emulate the latter approach.
I would love to see a historical perspective on the shift in approach over the last century. This could follow with a highlight of product designs that nurture a non-disposable relationship with us and explore the role of modern heirlooms and pass-me-downs.
This idea is so exciting! I think it has the potential to raise public awareness around design, consumption and distribution. Design is such a crucial part of effective and equitable distribution, and responsible consumption has the power to catalyze widespread social transformation. So much of our waste is avoidable. Once people are conscious of the impacts of design and distribution, we can push for responsible industry and production. The biggest problem right now is that people aren't making the connections necessary to inform constructive action. I think this has the potential to be entertaining and informative, in ways that will lead viewers into an understanding of the relationship between consumerism, the environment, and design.
I also think that your unique background in sustainable design, social entrepreneurship, and media make you uniquely qualified to do this well. Your idea is a complex mix of social, political and environmental issues, and your experience qualifies you to define these issues, anchor them by providing appropriate context, make the important connections, and identify points of intervention. Bravo! I'll see you on TV.
I am truly inspired by Rukesh's innovative idea. "The Disposable Life" will be a great opportunity to expand a sometimes insular movement such as the struggle for sustainability to greater spectrum of participation. I believe this project will deepen the meaning of such ubiquitous phrases as: "Going Green", and challenge the us as global citizens to analyze our role in excessive processes of production, consumption, waste management.
I believe Rukesh's project will allow the audience to recognize their very intimate connection to the overuse of resources, and further push them to connect the need for sustainability with other vital social concerns such as health, economic, and social justice.
I cannot wait for the production of "The Disposable Life". I will definitely tune in, and if there is ever an opportunity to appear on the show to do a demonstration--let me know!!
I can see this show doing very well; I'd watch it! I'm sure that many viewers would be shocked at the total cost of living a modern and comfortable life. This show seems like it would effectively blend drama and education to make a really watchable and entertaining program.
I personally know Rukesh because we used to live together here in DC. Native to an Southeast island country, immigrated to Las Vegas and now works for a political environmental design company in downtown DC, Rukesh's idea for "This Disposable Life" is a sum of his experiences. His background consists of two extremes of living standards and values and I think he is asking the right questions not only for himself but for all of us.
His passionate ideas will inspire but his background will provide the drive and curiosity to contiune with this idea for years to come.
I would absolutely watch this concept show and know that it will get people talking and thinking about how we can change the way we live through better design.
I got this email from a frustrated friend who wanted to remain anonymous:
“Because I just moved, I got thinking a lot about stripping down my things to just the bare neccesities. This move really sucked because I aquired so much shit and everyone (mainly my little bro) kept asking me why I collected so much shit. Why do I have so much stuff?
I think its for a lot of reasons. Material security when I'm lost and not making much in my 20s? Because I have all these art project ideas that never come to fruition. Because objects and things tell stories. I like stories. Because I'm a sentimental fool and I hold to things for the memories.
But, I came into my new home knowing I needed a purge. So, it came down to the 2 A's. Unless it is art or antique, I threw it out or gave it to Goodwill. We all love old things and antiques mainly because THEY WERE DESIGNED BETTER. Why is that? It pisses me off when shit breaks and is poorly made. Its like, it wasn't always this way! I save all things Grandma because she saved them because they were made well and lasted. There is more real material comfort in having one beautifully designed object than 20 shit ones.
This is the stubborn American in me that misses when shit was made well here and actually made to be really good products. My grandparents values of frugality and thrift and working in American factories comes in hardcore right here. The economy and standards flipped and disposbale stuff is made abroad and shipped to the US for all us zombies to consume. People don't have savings anymore. We have things, things and more things.
This is where you come in!”
Don't get me wrong, I don't think my idea is "the solution" to the ills of the way we consume and produce things. But we are living in a time where there's a yearning to know more and have more context. People want to live healthier so if you take something like the disposable design of our food and product system, unveil its out of control ways, and make it fun to watch, then I think good things will happen.
I've been following your idea of the "Disposable Life" and find it a fascinating take on looking at consumption in our daily lives.
I just wanted to ask some questions about the focus of your project (like who is your target audience) and why you find that television as a medium would be the most efficient at getting your message across.
Also, how do you find that your proposed television show would be different from that kind of exposure that many documentaries nowadays have--for example, Food, Inc. strives to convince consumers to buy organic--what would you ultimately want to convince your audience of doing or believing?
I also noticed that your show has a heavy focus on "design" which I believe would be a refreshing take on consumption since many people know about the "exploitive" elements of the global supply chain--like child labor in textile industries.. but people definitely need to start looking at things from another perspective--mainly, what can THEY do as consumers to change the way that things are consumed, made, and used on a daily basis. A much needed perspective indeed!
Thanks for your thoughts and questions! Very few people think of themselves as "designers." That title is reserved for the fashion daring and creatively over-juiced elite. Simply put: design isn't democratic...but it should be! Here are my answers to your questions:
1. Because we are all agents of design this show would be applicable to everyone. Maybe I'm naive. Being a young person myself I have been told to gear the show towards the "MTV audience" by making it edgy and trendy. Others have said this show would be ideal for PBS - which comes with its own following. My goal is to create the most high quality program possible and not worry about pandering to a particular audience. I believe if you make a product that matters to people, makes a difference in their lives, is built to last, and remains affordable, then you will have a following. Personally I enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life and I've found my friends range in age from their early 20s through mid 50s. Despite our differences I relate to them and they relate to me so it all works out. I will treat my viewers like I do friends - with tremendous respect and entertainment.
While the internet has been proven a successful medium for viral distribution, it is not a predictable model. This show will focus on building a strong online platform and marry it with a television presence. While the internet affords access to an immeasurable volume of information, you still need to pay for it (the internet) and you get what you're looking for. whereas some forms of television are free and less niche-driven.
2. "This Disposable Life," would be different from documentaries such as Food Inc. just by its medium of media; television. Unlike films, people can develop strong relationships and evolve with television programs. The movie watching experience - while powerful - is very passive and can leave people with a "now what?" feeling. A good TV show is not so much a snapshot in time and can better leverage the internet to interact with its viewers. In developing "This Disposable Life," I don't have an agenda of convincing people of doing any particular thing because like Sami Neremberg had mentioned, people don't like to be treated like they're not as good. However I think by illustrating the amazing story of our stuff and how it affects us emotionally, financially, and environmentally people will begin to think and act more consciously. By showcasing responsible alternatives through fun lifestyle makeovers people will be able to make similar changes to their lives.
Thanks for answering my questions and elaborating on your idea.
I agree with you that television as a platform is especially powerful, since it is a medium that transcends boundaries of race, gender, class, age, etc.--therefore, I think that you are right in your comparison of television to other "popular" platforms like the internet or movies. Whereas those are also almost passive forms of interaction in our daily lives, a good TV show does build a strong relationship with the viewer, as you stated.
I wish you the best of luck with your project--it is a truly compelling idea and much needed in this age of shallow reality television shows and the passive, "now what?" mentality that you mentioned!! I think your show has great potential to reach out to audiences from all different backgrounds and most importantly, to make a tangible change in the lives of viewers!!
Good luck and keep up the good work you have done!
You've explained a lot of the nuances of your project, and the many ways in which it deviates from the rest. But if given the opportunity, how would you address the differences (ways of reception and accessibility to Internet and Television) in which people react to ideas of disposable design? In an increasing globalized society, I often hear of the 'collapse of differences' when advocating for a 'universal' cause, but how would you address this essentialist nature of dealing with disposable design?
Overall, I think this is a brilliant idea. Keep up the great work!
I think your idea is interesting and exciting! While I think that public consciousness toward improving sustainability and environment has increased more than before among people, we all know that there are still many things that can be done and be changed. So I think your show idea is especially! interesting--because it focuses upon such an interesting prospective on how we as individuals have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable society by seeing things from our everyday daily lives--what we use and consume in a different light.
I very much look forward to learning more about your ideas!
I think this idea is very timely given the current economic climate in which Americans have been chastened for our indulgences and encouraged to spend more thriftly. The problem is, thrift often translates to cheap goods, with little thought given to the provenance of those goods, their sustainability, the resources that went into producing them, etc. If nothing else, the financial crisis helped us realize that we can't blindly trust others (whether bankers or product manufactures) to produce goods and services in a way that is both ethical and sustainable. I think This Disposable Life will tap into this latent desire of Americans to know more about the products and service they consume, where they come from, what they're made from, whom they're made by. This idea has the potential to be remarkably empowering by (1) revealing the extent to which even small purchases have an effect on the world through the supply chain and the communities that contributed to their production, and (2) demonstrating the ways in which consumers can locate the information necessary to make informed choices about their purchases.
Unfortunately This Disposable Life was not selected as a finalist in the We Media PitchIt! Challenge. But this was not a waste of time.
Since I got hooked on my very first TV show I remember being wowed by the show's influence on my psyche. It was incredible. I realized mass media presented a privileged platform to change lives. I've wanted to work with media to do good as far back as I can remember but I didn't know how to "get in" to the industry and hadn't figured out how I could best use my life's background and talent. This competition opened a window into a new world of possibility. When I first wrote this proposal I had no idea it would be received with so much support and encouragement from you.
The experience has brought me closer to discovering my life's work and purpose. It has been a powerful feeling. Your critiques and endorsements have emboldened my passion and I cannot thank you enough for believing in me.
Comentarios
Please explain why your idea/project, is suited/perfect to using... 'media' ...to bring about A BETTER "WORLD"...the entire planet...? Thanks4now~! a.
Thanks for the question, a.b. As a culture we’re increasingly searching and working for more meaning yet what we consume is becoming more meaningless. So what does media have to do with any of it? At its best, I believe media can teach us more about ourselves. And it can do that by taking a closer look at our everyday lives.
My show will attempt to inform people about the psychology of pricing and the consequences of disposable design by telling the stories of Americans of all backgrounds. Does shopping at Walmart, Target, or Ikea, help us save money? Have you bought anything in the last 10 years that would last or “get better with age” in another 10 years? Or would you think to pass any of those items on as heirlooms?
Unfortunately for an overwhelming majority of us, the answers to all those questions would be a resounding ‘no.’ Disposable design is meaningless. Most of our foods aren’t nourishing and most of our products don’t last so we find ourselves in a system where we consume less substance more often. My show will illustrate the environmental, financial, and personal toll it has taken. A strong focus will be on how we can use the money we have to go from consuming disposable design to consuming sustainable design.
"Now THAT'S one wall i'd like to take to dinner" might be something you'd hear at a house with vegetation growing on the walls, ceiling & floor, inside &/or outside, according some eco-friendly designers of ours.
"Have we gone inside & left our nature out in the rain" exactly where it ought to be? But really, are 'WE' TOday... MEdia, as a modern quickly becoming global... culture...? Are we more disconnected from farming than we could be, or our parents & grandparents were? Sustainable design is the pillar of mankind's resources, yet why we destroy it & rarely replace it, is a history far too often retold, remodeled & refurbished.
It's time to say "out with the old (you) & in this the green you" and were not talking money here. Sustainable design can come from vegetation itself! Plastics, are...ahhh...
what again?
What's the name of that stuff, OH cellulose, oh yeah!
Ba'who'da'thun'kit!?
Funny how we only get the butt of the story, the END of the "sales pitch"...
[a polysaccharide (C6H10O5)x of glucose units that constitutes the chief part of the cell walls of plants, occurs naturally in such fibrous products as cotton and kapok, and is the raw material of many manufactured goods (as paper, rayon, and cellophane) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cellulose ]
...otherwise, spelled, 'end user' in some languages, 'consumers' in others...
Our future is waiting for us to put our hands (producers) back on our arms
(community) & them put our hands, back in the soil for some & water for
others. Now, don't get me wrong, producers are helpful...butt-
Have we allowed nature to become a stranger to us?
The technology has been around long enough,
in one or two hands. Give us the formula please,
so we can recycle our leaves, trash, plastics, etc...
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt entry; you've inspired us.
Peace to gardens WiTHiN; and also in our homes,
a.
PS: Our children will thank US All.
I especially like the idea of seeing where products' life cycles begin and end. Beyond saying why some are unsustainable, I would also like to hear about what better options I and others might have.
Absolutely Jay! In illustrating the beginning-to-end of a food or product This Disposable Life will take the viewer from a local to global perspective, mapping an items mileage and business trips. It will talk about the design deficiency and opportunities that exist in each pit stop, showcase success stories, as well as discuss how people can help address the design deficiency. The show will attempt to demonstrate how design creates a complex web that spans the world and connects users to producers and vice versa.
Rukesh, you've pitched a valuable series very well. I think this will drive the Green Movement forward. As you put it, the need for such a program has never been greater.
From the title, it sounds like a good series for radio; it may also succeed in webisodes or podcasts.
I agree with the person who'd like to see each episode highlight environmentally sound alternatives, especially affordable ones that exist or are in development. Your primary audience is likely to be just starting out on their own - or, regardless of age, aware of the economy and their own budgets - and will struggle to balance their ideals with material realities. I'm confident you'll address this concern in language which includes those who are new to Green thinking or live in-/outside of the greenest areas.
I think your series will attract an enthusiastic audience and make a great impact.
I think this is a great and pertinent idea. I’d argue that we’ve seen many environmental groups take up the issue of wastefulness during the past decade; however, it doesn’t appear that there is much work on connecting this problem to current design principles. I’ll be interested in seeing what global brands you investigate as part of this mission. I hope your idea is chosen not only because it is interesting but because this work is quite necessary if we are serious about promoting and achieving sustainable living.
Few people I know speak as passionately or think as creatively as Rukesh about the impact of media on the world.
Business models in media are changing rapidly and Rukesh's background in social entrepreneuership, as well as social "intrapreneurship", leaves him well positioned to lead the way in defining new models of production in this area.
He and I have often debated the future of television. I've been skeptical, but I know that his show would be one that I would watch.
This project would be an important step in changing not only U.S. consumption habits and product design, but also practices worldwide. People--on all levels, from consumer to designer--lack awareness of the consequences of decisions made in board rooms and how it impacts our livelihood and long-term sustainability. This is definitely a show that I would watch.
Le design est supposé être au service de l'homme, établir un pont entre l'art et le pratique. Aujourd'hui, le design est devenu un argument marketing déconnecté de la portée universelle qu'il doit avoir. Aussi, le remettre à sa place, montrer quels sont les enjeux du design dans notre vie quotidienne, quelle est aussi sa mission, constituent un projet nécessaire. Certains créateurs de mode ont commencé à intégrer cela et proposent des gammes de vêtement qui s'intègre dans une démarche de développement durable. Nonobstant, il est temps de passer à la vitesse supérieure car la maison brûle et nous regardons ailleurs.
Ton idée d'utiliser les moyens de communication actuels pour éduquer et faire prendre conscience à tous des conséquences d'un mauvais design fait mouche. Alors que trop souvent l'aspect développement durable est un gadget réservé aux populations aisées, la volonté de l'inscrire dans une réflexion globale est celle qui devrait pour nous tous être un réflexe. C'est pourquoi ta volonté de t'attarder sur les aspects financiers, environnementaux et personnels de la question sont pertinents.
Il est à croire que les compagnies prennent pour acquis que les masses pauvres se désintéressent de cette question. Dans le même temps, face à l'inertie des politiques, et particulièrement aux USA (refus de ratifier le protocole de Kyoto!), il convient d'utiliser le pouvoir du consommateur: sa volonté ou non d'acheter et donc de faire le marché. Si aujourd'hui l'offre façonne la demande et conduit à cette folle course vers la fin, ton projet serait un pavé dans la mare et le moyen de changer la demande pour que l'offre s'y conforme. est-ce là ton idée? Les aspects financier et social sont vitaux pour cette problématique.
Un seul regret, ou plutôt une seule question : Une version à destination des citoyens français est-elle prévue? Je l'espère. Et j'espère que le peuple américain aura l'occasion d'ouvrir ces yeux et travailler de nouveau à la tâche qu'il a si souvent accompli et incarné : la perpétuation de l'humanité dans tout ce qu'elle a de meilleur.
À votre bon cœur, Julien! Let me paraphrase your response in English:
‘Design has derailed from its original intent of serving people into a shallow marketing tool that has lost sight of its universal purpose. There is a strong need to show people how issues of design impact our daily lives. Your idea of using popular/existing channels of communication to educate and raise awareness of the consequences of bad design is spot on. Sustainable design is often made to be a privilege of the rich but we should think about how everyone can engage the issue. That’s why your focus on the financial, environmental, and personal impacts will be important. Given political inaction, particularly that of the USA (refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol) the power of the consumer is increasingly important to change the market. If today’s model led to this mad race to the end then your program will serve as a means of changing what we demand. Is this what you propose? The financial and social aspects are vital to this problematic situation. One regret or question: Will you produce a version for the French? I hope this show will be a wakeup call for the American people so that they can work back to the ideals they used to embody: the perpetuation of humanity at its best.'
While I would love to do a show in French someday my program will be geared towards Americans. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have French subtitles! Perhaps you could even do my voice over? And in terms of breaking the cycle I would like my show to mobilize people to be responsible designers of their own life. As Amina Massey beautifully said “Design is such a crucial part of effective and equitable distribution, and responsible consumption has the power to catalyze widespread social transformation. So much of our waste is avoidable. Once people are conscious of the impacts of design and distribution, we can push for responsible industry and production.”
Seconding this idea for creativity, and applicability. Props, and onward!
As we have seen through the success of other recent media projects, for example--the year's top grossing documentary, Food Inc., numerous books by Michael Pollan, Ellen Ruppel Shell, etc, the issue of sustainability is one that has attracted wide-scale interest and concern among a diverse audience. This project builds on previous work, but goes further, by incorporating subjects beyond the food system and drawing our attention to broader, systematic questions on production and politics that influence every purchasing decisions. Though the aformentioned previous projects have laid important groundwork, there has not yet been a television show that focuses exclusively on equipping individuals with the background they need to become informed consumers. I think Rukesh's idea is timely and necessary and with his charisma, experience, and creativity, would likely draw a wide audience.
I think this a monumental idea.
Leveraging aspects of mass media to use as tools to teach and empower is something I stand behind completely. Furthermore, I think the timing of this project could not be better. With so many Americans preoccupied with a slumping economy, it seems utterly imperative to remind audiences of the impact sustainable living can have on their personal lives (environmentally and financially). A discussion that involves the food we eat, clothes we wear, and disposable utilities we perpetually invest in promises to engage new spectators and generate critical discussions about everyday sustainability.
It is important that we deconstruct our own roles in the consumption of materials, so that we can truly grasp the scope of our own footprint. A great step toward this goal would be to analyze the products we interact with so regularly. Starting small in this way lends itself to a larger discussion which raises the questions:"What work does disposable design do?" and more importantly "what is my role in this problematic cycle?"
You have my support! If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know-
Yeah! Bring on the color! Steve, your post made me think about how we so often assume our decisions are black or white, right or wrong, when there's a lot more going on. I was reminded of what Rob Walker from the NYT Magazine one said
“We tend to want the new things. They can do something that has a different look, a fresher look, a new-now, next-now kind of look. And the problem with spending a lot of time focusing on what’s very-now, and very-next is that it isn’t very-forever and that means that it doesn’t last because there’s someone else coming along trying to design what’s now and next after that, and part of their agenda, whether it’s ever articulated or not, is to make what use to be now look like then so that people will buy the new now.“
With increasing success we - the people who fund it - have been silenced but you remind us that dissent protects democracy. It's time we spoke about the unspoken truths of disposable design because I am confident that if we know better we will do better.
This is a phenomenal idea!
1) The intended delivery medium of television helps to mainstream design processes and information that is too often the preserve of a very specific often extremely privileged (educationally and financially) population.
2) It has immense power to expose that the process of production and bringing a good to market is an intensely buyer-driven chain that we as consumers have SOOO MUCH power to impact.
3) In following this process viewers will have the opportunity to consider the actual value added by the parts of the commodity chain that are focused on the production of raw materials and manufacture (predominantly marginalized labor from the global South) in contrast with the downstream power holders that add value through retail and marketing. Such an analysis will hopefully cause viewers to think about alternative ways of engaging with this Post-Fordist system of production, that emphasizes the roles of global markets and corporations, and cause us to begin to more seriously embrace local production mechanisms.
4) Finally, Rukesh, I think you are uniquely situated to drive a project with such great potential because of your ability to engage in a process of critical rethink that moves beyond dwelling on intellectual and academic discourses to the proposal of pragmatic and implementable alternatives.
Steve Jobs (and probably many unknown people before him) proposed that design is ultimately about how a product/commodity/food works; the focus of “this disposable life” on helping its audience to engage in really thinking about the the life stages of a product/commodity/food and consider that in our analysis of how effectively it actually “works” is an audacious task but Rukesh with your passion, past experiences and unique perspective I have no doubt that in boldly and diligently taking on this challenge you will reach, educate and empower uncountable numbers of people. I cant wait to see this project happen!
With this study we can cross examine the extent of damage one man's idea has or has not done to our planet; impacted design and our daily lives.
This is a novel idea as it may change the way we look at innovate thinkers (including you and me), are they really changing things for the better?
This is a fantastic idea! I can already see the trailer now... a clip of the designer and design team at the table meeting with the client to a fast paced factory in china, the precarious journey on the boat, to the trash talk at the docks to the drama in the apple store, into the hands of a spoiled teenager whose parents bought him the latest gadget. (not trying to put down Apple, I love their stuff, just using it as an example of design for obsolescence)
This is great because it doesn't hit people over the head with guilt on the subject, but makes it fun and interesting- kind of like Dirty Jobs.
I hope you win so I can watch this show!!
I was looking forward to the guilt though.
You've got it exactly right, Sami! This is exciting because I had heard about your blog http://www.imassami.blogspot.com/ and course website http://de-se.com/projects/ through a friend and am such a big fan of your work!
Thank you.
Seconded. I see immense potential in this idea and can't wait to watch the pilot. I envision one episode with a theme on our personal relationships with objects.
Products, nowadays, are being designed more with the 'use more/wear out' approach as opposed to 'use more/wear in' approach. Perhaps there could be an episode on this trend and how there are very few products (e.g., jeans) that emulate the latter approach.
I would love to see a historical perspective on the shift in approach over the last century. This could follow with a highlight of product designs that nurture a non-disposable relationship with us and explore the role of modern heirlooms and pass-me-downs.
All the best!
In regards to our relationship with objects, can there a special note about Tomagotchis...or however the hell you spell it.
Yes, I remember those. That would be a good example.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamagotchi
This idea is so exciting! I think it has the potential to raise public awareness around design, consumption and distribution. Design is such a crucial part of effective and equitable distribution, and responsible consumption has the power to catalyze widespread social transformation. So much of our waste is avoidable. Once people are conscious of the impacts of design and distribution, we can push for responsible industry and production. The biggest problem right now is that people aren't making the connections necessary to inform constructive action. I think this has the potential to be entertaining and informative, in ways that will lead viewers into an understanding of the relationship between consumerism, the environment, and design.
I also think that your unique background in sustainable design, social entrepreneurship, and media make you uniquely qualified to do this well. Your idea is a complex mix of social, political and environmental issues, and your experience qualifies you to define these issues, anchor them by providing appropriate context, make the important connections, and identify points of intervention. Bravo! I'll see you on TV.
Agreed.
This project has the potential to narrow the gaping lacuna between action-oriented green thinking and the everyday decisions people make.
:)
I am truly inspired by Rukesh's innovative idea. "The Disposable Life" will be a great opportunity to expand a sometimes insular movement such as the struggle for sustainability to greater spectrum of participation. I believe this project will deepen the meaning of such ubiquitous phrases as: "Going Green", and challenge the us as global citizens to analyze our role in excessive processes of production, consumption, waste management.
I believe Rukesh's project will allow the audience to recognize their very intimate connection to the overuse of resources, and further push them to connect the need for sustainability with other vital social concerns such as health, economic, and social justice.
I cannot wait for the production of "The Disposable Life". I will definitely tune in, and if there is ever an opportunity to appear on the show to do a demonstration--let me know!!
I can see this show doing very well; I'd watch it! I'm sure that many viewers would be shocked at the total cost of living a modern and comfortable life. This show seems like it would effectively blend drama and education to make a really watchable and entertaining program.
I personally know Rukesh because we used to live together here in DC. Native to an Southeast island country, immigrated to Las Vegas and now works for a political environmental design company in downtown DC, Rukesh's idea for "This Disposable Life" is a sum of his experiences. His background consists of two extremes of living standards and values and I think he is asking the right questions not only for himself but for all of us.
His passionate ideas will inspire but his background will provide the drive and curiosity to contiune with this idea for years to come.
I would absolutely watch this concept show and know that it will get people talking and thinking about how we can change the way we live through better design.
I got this email from a frustrated friend who wanted to remain anonymous:
“Because I just moved, I got thinking a lot about stripping down my things to just the bare neccesities. This move really sucked because I aquired so much shit and everyone (mainly my little bro) kept asking me why I collected so much shit. Why do I have so much stuff?
I think its for a lot of reasons. Material security when I'm lost and not making much in my 20s? Because I have all these art project ideas that never come to fruition. Because objects and things tell stories. I like stories. Because I'm a sentimental fool and I hold to things for the memories.
But, I came into my new home knowing I needed a purge. So, it came down to the 2 A's. Unless it is art or antique, I threw it out or gave it to Goodwill. We all love old things and antiques mainly because THEY WERE DESIGNED BETTER. Why is that? It pisses me off when shit breaks and is poorly made. Its like, it wasn't always this way! I save all things Grandma because she saved them because they were made well and lasted. There is more real material comfort in having one beautifully designed object than 20 shit ones.
This is the stubborn American in me that misses when shit was made well here and actually made to be really good products. My grandparents values of frugality and thrift and working in American factories comes in hardcore right here. The economy and standards flipped and disposbale stuff is made abroad and shipped to the US for all us zombies to consume. People don't have savings anymore. We have things, things and more things.
This is where you come in!”
Don't get me wrong, I don't think my idea is "the solution" to the ills of the way we consume and produce things. But we are living in a time where there's a yearning to know more and have more context. People want to live healthier so if you take something like the disposable design of our food and product system, unveil its out of control ways, and make it fun to watch, then I think good things will happen.
Hi Mr. Samarasekera,
I've been following your idea of the "Disposable Life" and find it a fascinating take on looking at consumption in our daily lives.
I just wanted to ask some questions about the focus of your project (like who is your target audience) and why you find that television as a medium would be the most efficient at getting your message across.
Also, how do you find that your proposed television show would be different from that kind of exposure that many documentaries nowadays have--for example, Food, Inc. strives to convince consumers to buy organic--what would you ultimately want to convince your audience of doing or believing?
I also noticed that your show has a heavy focus on "design" which I believe would be a refreshing take on consumption since many people know about the "exploitive" elements of the global supply chain--like child labor in textile industries.. but people definitely need to start looking at things from another perspective--mainly, what can THEY do as consumers to change the way that things are consumed, made, and used on a daily basis. A much needed perspective indeed!
Bonnie,
Thanks for your thoughts and questions! Very few people think of themselves as "designers." That title is reserved for the fashion daring and creatively over-juiced elite. Simply put: design isn't democratic...but it should be! Here are my answers to your questions:
1. Because we are all agents of design this show would be applicable to everyone. Maybe I'm naive. Being a young person myself I have been told to gear the show towards the "MTV audience" by making it edgy and trendy. Others have said this show would be ideal for PBS - which comes with its own following. My goal is to create the most high quality program possible and not worry about pandering to a particular audience. I believe if you make a product that matters to people, makes a difference in their lives, is built to last, and remains affordable, then you will have a following. Personally I enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life and I've found my friends range in age from their early 20s through mid 50s. Despite our differences I relate to them and they relate to me so it all works out. I will treat my viewers like I do friends - with tremendous respect and entertainment.
While the internet has been proven a successful medium for viral distribution, it is not a predictable model. This show will focus on building a strong online platform and marry it with a television presence. While the internet affords access to an immeasurable volume of information, you still need to pay for it (the internet) and you get what you're looking for. whereas some forms of television are free and less niche-driven.
2. "This Disposable Life," would be different from documentaries such as Food Inc. just by its medium of media; television. Unlike films, people can develop strong relationships and evolve with television programs. The movie watching experience - while powerful - is very passive and can leave people with a "now what?" feeling. A good TV show is not so much a snapshot in time and can better leverage the internet to interact with its viewers. In developing "This Disposable Life," I don't have an agenda of convincing people of doing any particular thing because like Sami Neremberg had mentioned, people don't like to be treated like they're not as good. However I think by illustrating the amazing story of our stuff and how it affects us emotionally, financially, and environmentally people will begin to think and act more consciously. By showcasing responsible alternatives through fun lifestyle makeovers people will be able to make similar changes to their lives.
Does that make sense?
Rukesh
Hi Rukesh,
Thanks for answering my questions and elaborating on your idea.
I agree with you that television as a platform is especially powerful, since it is a medium that transcends boundaries of race, gender, class, age, etc.--therefore, I think that you are right in your comparison of television to other "popular" platforms like the internet or movies. Whereas those are also almost passive forms of interaction in our daily lives, a good TV show does build a strong relationship with the viewer, as you stated.
I wish you the best of luck with your project--it is a truly compelling idea and much needed in this age of shallow reality television shows and the passive, "now what?" mentality that you mentioned!! I think your show has great potential to reach out to audiences from all different backgrounds and most importantly, to make a tangible change in the lives of viewers!!
Good luck and keep up the good work you have done!
Bonnie
Rukesh, this is such an innovative idea!
You've explained a lot of the nuances of your project, and the many ways in which it deviates from the rest. But if given the opportunity, how would you address the differences (ways of reception and accessibility to Internet and Television) in which people react to ideas of disposable design? In an increasing globalized society, I often hear of the 'collapse of differences' when advocating for a 'universal' cause, but how would you address this essentialist nature of dealing with disposable design?
Overall, I think this is a brilliant idea. Keep up the great work!
¡Buena suerte!
Hi Rukesh,
I think your idea is interesting and exciting! While I think that public consciousness toward improving sustainability and environment has increased more than before among people, we all know that there are still many things that can be done and be changed. So I think your show idea is especially! interesting--because it focuses upon such an interesting prospective on how we as individuals have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable society by seeing things from our everyday daily lives--what we use and consume in a different light.
I very much look forward to learning more about your ideas!
I think this idea is very timely given the current economic climate in which Americans have been chastened for our indulgences and encouraged to spend more thriftly. The problem is, thrift often translates to cheap goods, with little thought given to the provenance of those goods, their sustainability, the resources that went into producing them, etc. If nothing else, the financial crisis helped us realize that we can't blindly trust others (whether bankers or product manufactures) to produce goods and services in a way that is both ethical and sustainable. I think This Disposable Life will tap into this latent desire of Americans to know more about the products and service they consume, where they come from, what they're made from, whom they're made by. This idea has the potential to be remarkably empowering by (1) revealing the extent to which even small purchases have an effect on the world through the supply chain and the communities that contributed to their production, and (2) demonstrating the ways in which consumers can locate the information necessary to make informed choices about their purchases.
Unfortunately This Disposable Life was not selected as a finalist in the We Media PitchIt! Challenge. But this was not a waste of time.
Since I got hooked on my very first TV show I remember being wowed by the show's influence on my psyche. It was incredible. I realized mass media presented a privileged platform to change lives. I've wanted to work with media to do good as far back as I can remember but I didn't know how to "get in" to the industry and hadn't figured out how I could best use my life's background and talent. This competition opened a window into a new world of possibility. When I first wrote this proposal I had no idea it would be received with so much support and encouragement from you.
The experience has brought me closer to discovering my life's work and purpose. It has been a powerful feeling. Your critiques and endorsements have emboldened my passion and I cannot thank you enough for believing in me.
Rukesh
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