What is Sustainable Design?

To start the ball rolling... You can't not go to Wikipedia, eh?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_design

I like the statement that it is design seeking to achieve "principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability." Sustainability being, "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Gro Harlem Bruntland). Caring for the future in how we live today and DESIGNING (making conscious decisions) OUR LIFE and world to meet those goals and values.

Designing life now and for future generations...

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Travis Stiles
t [at] tstiles.com
http://www.tstiles.com

in the context of architecture, christopher alexander and a bunch of other smart people wrote a book that describes using social patterns in creating sustainable, living spaces. by adopting the design of a building to the natural activities of the people inhabiting it, the space becomes alive, used and sustainable.

the coolest practical example of this i have seen recently is within ecocycle's zero waste program, where they sell zero waste event kits. you buy this kit from them to replace the paper plates, plastic cups, etc. that you would normally throw out with sustainable plant based recycleable alternatives.

From the sample PDF of the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America) Okala Ecological Design Guide:

Sustainable Design is environmentally benign, economically viable, and socially equitable.

Sustainable development
“Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs. Sustainable development is about making life better for everyone. This should not involve recklessly destroying our
natural resources, nor should it involve polluting the environment.”
The United Nations Commission on Environment and Development (the Bruntland Commission) 1987

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Travis Stiles
Designing life now and for future generations...
http://www.tstiles.com