Why Design Now?

Return to Sender artisan eco-casket. Greg Holdsworth (New Zealander, b. 1960), Return to Sender Eco-Caskets. New Zealand, 2007. Plywood, wool fleece. Courtesy of designer


This exhibit, Why Design Now?, at Cooper-Hewitt, National Museum of Design presents artists and designers who have come up with sustainable designs for energy, transportation, health, communication, and more. They also offer educational programs for students, which asks students to think like a designer and come up with their own sustainable designs.

http://exhibitions.cooperhewitt.org/Why-Design-Now/

The Spice Trade Expedition

"In search of the disconnect between ourselves, the natural world and the food we eat, we’re going to slip on some boots, strap on a backpack, grab a canoe, and head out into the industrial wilderness of the New Jersey wetlands. During our two-week industrial wilderness trip, we will interview factory employees, document our campsites and adventures, and cook with various artificial flavors in an attempt to bridge our understanding of the natural and artificial. This will be edited into a documentary about our adventures and discussions that ensue."
http://thespicetradeexpedition.com/the-expedition/

NYC Green Carts

"Green Carts are mobile food carts that offer fresh produce in certain New York City areas. Local Law 9, signed by Mayor Bloomberg on March 13, 2008, establishes 1,000 permits for Green Carts.

The Green Cart Initiative is supported by a $1.5 Million grant from the Laurie M Tisch Illumination Fund. This grant funds micro-loans and technical assistance for Green Cart operators, as well as branding, marketing, and outreach to encourage residents of the Green Cart areas to purchase fresh produce from the carts." - NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cdp/cdp_pan_green_carts.shtml

Map of areas where Green Carts are located:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/cdp/green_carts_areas.pdf