Sustainability Dictionary: Defining our common ground
You know those moments when you're surrounded by folks from the same industry and you find yourself confused or just plain zoning out because the jargon is so heavy - that you are literally being left out of the conversation?...I had one of those moments the other day, during a graphic design discussion in one of my most recent meetings, and I was reminded..that even though communication is here, in essence, to bring us all together and help us connect, that communication can sometimes be the dividing factor...So I thought what better way than to jump into the beginning of these adventures than by helping us all to find some common words, some common language, and some common ways of thought... Sustainability Dictionary helped me with this - which to tell you the truth was an accidental find, when I was browsing through upcycling sites.... Let's just define UPCYCLING right now...it's an awesome word/concept/thought that has recently been introduced to my vocabulary and so I wanted to share the love and fully introduce it in to yours... According to the Sustainable Dictionary, UPCYCLE can be defined as: 'The process of converting an industrial nutrient (material) into something of similar or greater value, in its second life.' Which I like to think of in it's direct relationship to Looptworks, that our guys take what would otherwise be wasted, thrown away, or forgotten after NEVER being used, and turning it into fashion that I can wear, feel good about, and be proud of...how cool!!!! After introducing me to a world of new design concepts and upcycling - I am proud to say I am a huge advocate of what I like to call, the 'Looptworks perspective'... [caption id="attachment_772" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="An example of the tee's - all made from upcycled materials and joining you after a 2nd chance at life!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_771" align="aligncenter" width="270" caption="To help remind folks: This neat graphic is imprinted onto almost all our gear, as a fashionable and invaluable reminder."][/caption]
And speaking of design, here's another good one...: 'Design is often misunderstood to be limited to “creative” disciplines such as graphic or industrial design, and often only the visual or aesthetic components of these disciplines. However, design refers to any process that creates value.'
Really??? Well then my vote is that we all keep racking our brains for how to contribute and add value to our communities, lives, and networks...thus creating a new wave of designers...sustainable designers....designers of change.
Okay...just one more that really hit home and then I will let you check out the other definitions and key words for yourself... I'm digging this one, because it's what hooked me on Looptworks in the first place...that's right...MEANING.
When I first met Looptworks, everyone was buzzing off this idea, this meaning...that people connected with. In our Sustainable Dictionary, MEANING means: 'The deepest level of significance at which an organization’s products, services, or experiences can touch a customer. “Meanings” are the ultimate ideals that explain the significance of our lives. Recently, marketing theory has integrated meaning into corporate strategic development.'
Basically what I'm getting out is that Looptworks started with a meaning, and built it up from there...at the core, at the base was an ideal, a message...a significance...and that today is what we are all able to bear witness to the evolution of.
...so I'm giving homework to everyone - check out the dictionary and pick 2 words that are out of your normal vocabulary...or maybe are in your vocabulary but are defined outside your normal box of thinking. Let's challenge each other, connect, and find new ways to communicate that help us all to focus on a better picture, a bigger meaning...and in whole, a healthier way of life.