UAE | Education
No friends of mother Earth
Student project reveals that most companies connected to graphic design are not eco-friendly
- By Rania Moussly, Staff reporter
- Published: 00:00 November 8, 2009
- American University in Dubai student Anika Marya with her green graphic design project
- Image Credit: Virendra Saklani, Gulf News
Businesses linked with the graphic design profession in Dubai have very few or no practices that contribute to the reduction of their carbon footprint. This is as per the findings of an American University in Dubai student Anika Marya.
The idea
The graphic design and creative advertising student came up with the idea of a green creative resource directory for Dubai-based graphic designers as part of her senior year project themed around a sustainable city. She set about trying to compile a directory under Green Resolution, a graphic design association yet to be established. The directory, which has already received unofficial offers for publication and interest from professional graphic designers, is meant to assist eco-conscious designers to distinguish eco-friendly businesses from those that are not through a rating system.
Why the focus on the graphic design profession? "Everyone knows there is a problem in Dubai when it comes to designing," said Marya. "You can't get access to green resources."
The research
Marya initially contacted Dubai-based companies via email. After minimal response she decided to call up and physically visit the businesses to request participation in her project. She approached printers, publishers, graphic design firms, photography firms, paper-making firms and manufacturers to fill in a questionnaire she had put together.
She listed questions under specific topics to reveal information such as the types of printer ink and paper the firms used. Factors such as printer cleaning agents used as well as recycling habits and energy consumption reduction were also explored.
The result
Of the 500 companies Marya approached, she said, at best 30 companies displayed eco-consciousness in some shape or form. However, this is an average figure for "companies that have replied and have a minimum of 1 per cent greenness," she said.
Marya said even when some companies showed interest in going green they reported difficulties with support services such as waste recycling companies.
All the same, a disappointed Marya is undeterred. "My results show there is a problem and we need help."
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