Greengaged trip to powerday

After arriving in London very early on Thursday morning, the first event in my schedule of design week was to take part in one of the Greengaged events. Which had been organised by A small group of people, that are dedicated to the cause of sustainable practice within design and business.

In fact, I coudn't have asked for a better start to my trip. We sailed up the Grand Union Canal on an electric barge, which allowed me to see a slightly different side of London and enjoy life in the slow lane for a while. As although, it certainly does not seem to be the fastest method of transport for getting around London, it was certainly enjoyable and relaxing option.



There was also an interesting mix of people on board, from writers, designers, researchers and students. Which made for good conversation and varied discussion after the presentation by Rob Holdway from Giraffe Innovation, whom was also involved with the TV show Dumped; which featured a group of people that were challenged to live on a landfill site. His presentation was a well informed and passionate account of successes that Giraffe Innovation has had in affecting large companies strategic plans, in order to create a renewed sense of sustainable responsibility and awareness of environmental impact.



The boat soon arrived at it's destination, Powerday recycling plant, which allowed the group to experience a different side of the consumption process. The mass of materials piled up, in a site which the owner claimed was not even close to full, quickly gave a strong impression of the scale of materials that are often wasted. I think in fact many people know this, however it is like many things. You have to see it to believe it. There was photographs taken on mass, of this large, rather smelly building, where it seems the people in it are working very hard to ensure that they recover the maximum amount of materials for new uses, and end up with minimal waste. Perhaps, if people on the other side of the chain worked even half as hard, it could make as significant a change in the waste products produced in todays fast flowing consumer society.

Overall, it was an enjoyable trip. And certainly on of the more diverse experiences I had while visiting the London Design festival.