This Saturday the SDC is putting on a show called “Fixed”.  I am really proud and excited to be part of the show! Here is short description about the show:

Fixed is an exhibition of repaired objects. Specifically, a select group of designers were prompted to explore the concept of repair beyond its literal or functional implications. With materials and typology of object open to their choosing, the designers were encouraged to find loopholes and, if necessary, to subvert the brief.

I am exhibiting my environmental outlet protectors at Fixed this Saturday, 11pm at the Sound Table in Atlanta. Stop by if you live in the Atlanta area!

Photographs courtesy of the lovely Lori Bailey; a very talented designer and a studio buddy of mine from Georgia Tech .

Description – Sometimes it seems like electricity is the magic juice that powers our electronic devices every time we plug them in. These are outlet protectors for the environment I have created; a set of two socket covers that serve as daily reminders of the real source of electricity and the impact it has.

These prototypes were laser cut out of acrylic and painted green. I am working on getting a few 3D printed too. It is really important to note that these models are in no way meant to serve as safety outlet protectors for small children. That is something I am working on addressing…

Sometimes it seems like electricity is the magic juice that powers our electronic devices every time we plug them in. These are outlet protectors for the environment I have created; a set of two socket covers that serve as daily reminders of the real source of electricity.

More photos to come! Thinking about setting up an Etsy site too.

Sometimes I forget that while constantly plugging in and out of outlets. I’m in the process of designing socket protectors… but “environmental socket protectors” that are in the shape of powerplants.  Everytime you remove this power plant shaped socket protector to plug in your device you are more aware of the environmental impact electricity has. Even just walking by them in your home, it immediately de-mystifies the source of electricity. I think  having a daily reminder of the real source of electricity — realizing its so much more than just flicking a switch — could have a great impact on people’s daily consumption of electricity.

If there was a photo of a dead fish by your kitchen faucet, you would probably be more cautious about leaving the water on… but, thats not exactly the aesthetic I’m going for .

My friend Jesse recently showed me these “Eco Reminder Stickers”. They are really interesting and are aiming to make behavioral changes inside people’s homes just like I am. However, I am struggling with the value proposition these types of products bring to the table. Yes, they are cute and clever, but what do they do? They don’t realy add any significant decorative qualities or guaruntee you’ll save money; they are more like green novelty items.

To the right is a quick chipboard mock-up of my general idea (shape, color, size all subject to change). I know I would buy socket protectors in the shape of power plants because I want to be more conscious of my electricity consumption. Not everyone cares about that though. I think I either have to:

(a) Accept the fact that environmental socket protectors have no real use and are just green novelty items (and make them REALLY cute and attractive). This route would lead to a pretty inexpensive product, probably sold in a 10 pack or something in fun colors.

(b) Add some more value to it by … adding a meter to track how long its been since you’ve plugged in or … track how much money you are saving by plugging in less. By adding components that might require electricity, this product seems pretty hypocritical. If there is some way to work it out, it would definitely be more expensive.

(c) Turn the idea into a product that could also double as an outlet safety protector. So, parents who have young children and are in the market to buy 50 safety protectors can opt to by environmentally themed ones instead of the plain ones.

Maybe I will start off with option (a) and then work my way through the other routes.

Thank you for your recent email regarding the recycling process for our Keebler® wrappers, We are happy to provide the following information.

Our company’s goal is to provide consumers with wholesome, high-quality products. One area of great importance is packaging. We continually evaluate our package designs to accommodate the needs of our many different consumers.

Consumer satisfaction continues to be our primary objective. Therefore, we are forwarding your concerns to the appropriate company officials so they may consider your comments when planning future packaging changes.

It was good of you to take the time to share your views about our packaging. Your comments will help us continue to achieve our goal of providing you with great-tasting and high quality products.
Sincerely,

(Name)
Consumer Specialist
Consumer Affairs

Check back soon!

To see photos from my trip, scroll down, or visit my flickr page.

There are spaceships everywhere in the Shanghai Sky.

Now I truly understand why Chinese women use umbrellas against the sun.

Weapons of choice; knife, fork, fan.

Shanghai World Financial Center aka the Bottle Opener Building. The third tallest building in the world. See the opening in the top? I went up there to the observation deck!

View from the bottle opener bldg.

View of mountains from the Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou, China

The Shanghai skyline in Pudong. My hotel was located in an area called “the Bund” which is facing Pudong right on the Huangpu river.