Why That Triangle Arrow Recycling Symbol is a Piece of Garbage
Posted on | July 1, 2009 |
The Society of the Plastics Industry developed a resin identification code (that triangle shape with the arrows chasing each other) in 1988 as a way to get us to recycle, but most people do not know that the mark itself is pretty much meaningless. If you’re washing and recycling takeout containers or other plastics that have the “recycler’s bermuda triangle” on them, you might just be acting a fool.
Luckily, design professor KT Meaney and her students have come up with some way better, less retarded graphic solutions to show people whether or not what they are buying can be recycled. Remember, we vote with our cash money so boycotting manufacturers and food distributors who use styrofoam and non-recyclable plastics is the best way to tell them that they need to check themselves before they wreck themselves.
Meat section postcard (Design: David Mitchell)
Smart meat-section trompe l’oeil postcard alerts consumers that styrofoam packaging sucks, without discrediting the delicious product inside of it.
Coupon broadsheet (Design: Britt Cobb)
This supersmart flyer organizes weekly specials into those which have recyclable containers and those that don’t.
Door graphics (Design: Caitlin Garrison)
These large scale door graphics remind shoppers that some packaging is better than others.
Caution tape rating system (Design: Susan Baker)
Brightly colored tape alerts consumers about non-recyclable and partially recyclable packaging.
Resin identification code floor graphic (Design: David Mitchell)
Strategically placed to educate consumers.
Comparison shopping floor graphics (Design: Kristen Morrison)
Helps remind people that next time, they may want to bring their own bag!
Freezer graphics (Design: Caitlin Garrison)
It’s not all about chastising the bad. These cute decals point out ice cream containers that can be recycled.
Conveyor belt (Design: Rachel Cannon)
Not sure about this one - wouldn’t it be covered with food most of the time?
Receipts that categorize your purchases (Design: Britt Cobb)
These clever receipts show you your purchases based on how recyclable the packaging is.
Via Design Observer
The correct way to recycle in NYC
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Tags: britt cobb > caitlin garrison > david mitchell > graphic design > green graphic design > green packaging > kristen morrisen > kt meaney > rachel cannon > recycling mark > recycling symbol > recycling triangle > smart design > susan baker
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why is this a site?
swyyne has always been an experiment for me. with all of the other super eco sites out there, i've been feeling like i want to contribute something just a bit different. so for now, here are my random musings.
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October 15th, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
Greetings! I was surfing the web for information on poor design (actually looking for information on Microsoft Windows) and found your site through a lucky SERP.
After reading this random musing, I’ve subscribed to your feed. Great work - and great criticism on design in the real world.
Word!