With global warming warnings everyday, we’re all trying to find our way to do our part in becoming more environmentally friendly. For example, the automobile industry is beginning to manufacture more hybrid cars and offering them in varying styles to appeal to a broader audience. Many companies are becoming eco-friendly and promoting energy saving software like AT&T, Intel, Google etc. In a survey conducted by Experience, it seems that recent college and grad students would prefer to work for a more environmentally-friendly company. Even Budweiser drinkers can be assured that Anheuser Busch is going to use renewable fuel in their breweries by the end of 2009.

Contributing to this trend is a movement called ‘Design Can Change’. An initiative which is an effort to bring together the design community and utilize their influence to combat global climate change.

‘Design Can Change’ asks those in the field to sign an eco-friendly pledge. Designers must promise to adopt a “sustainable mind-set” in their own practice as well as educate their clients about alternatives to traditional materials and methods. They must consider their choices carefully and make informed decisions. In return, these designers are listed in a database of like-minded studios which can be found on their website. This allows a buyer of creative services to encourage mindful positive changes by choosing or working with designers who have taken this pledge.

In order to be a part of the movement and sign the pledge; designers are asked to fill out a form including their studio addresses. For the designer, committing to this effort means seeking to understand this issue and how daily changes in their practice can make a difference. It requires the designer to always think green and to share this knowledge to build awareness for sustainability. With their collective strength, designers are uniting to spark this change.

‘Design Can Change’ highlights that designing efforts affect our lives in every way. From the advertisements we see to the packaging of our products and everything in between; by banding together and taking the pledge there can be a substantial positive impact on our world.

Designers that have already pledged include Tiffany and Company, Metlife Creative Services, Picture this Production, Aiga Designs – Chicago Tribune, just to name a few out of their 1,000 plus supporters.

With both big name and free lance designers offering their support, ‘Design Can Change’ is making a strong eco-friendly impact in the design community.

And the 21st century will be the better for it.

To see the full list of supporting designers and to learn more about ‘Design Can Change’ visit their website at www.designcanchange.org.