2011-12-08 
北服莱佛士 
来源：《环球时报》英文版
http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/687190/Trash-into-treasure.aspx
An acrylic iPhone stand designed by Jill Zhaoyue is one of the many designs on show. Photo: Courtesy of We Impact
You don't have to be a tree-hugger to know that sustainability can help resolve more than the economic-ecological tradeoff that has come at the cost of the world's resources over the past century. A "green" art exhibition featuring 13 sustainable designs will kick off on Saturday featuring projects created by product, interior and jewelry design students from the Raffles-BIFT International College's 3D department.
Among the creations on display at the exhibition, creatively titled "Green eARTh for Everyone," is an old tire painted red fitted with white wood that serves as a bookshelf and resembles a tree.
"People don't know the potential of sustainable materials. We aim to show that anything is possible in designing new objects by recycling what's at hand. Creativity is the key to recreating simple, useful objects," explained 20-year-old design student Liang Chen, who created several items including a chair, CD stacker and clock. The latter was made of cement, acrylic and metal that was inspired by Beijing's architecture. Despite its raw materials and intentionally unrefined appearance, the clock exudes urban artistic charm.
"Wood is my favorite material to work with because it's easy to recycle and quite versatile," said Liang. "Many people in China are unaware about the importance of sustainability. We can't afford to waste our resources."
The exhibition's goal of promoting sustainability isn't new within art circles, yet it reminds visitors of the need to shift the design and manufacturing paradigm toward an ecological future. "Students realized that one does not have to spend money on expensive materials to produce simple lifestyle products," noted Nirmal Rana, program director at college's 3D design department. "By making use of readily available materials and basic workshop tools, one is able to make simple yet aesthetically pleasing products."
The Nepalese teacher emphasized that the exhibit aims to inspire visitors while giving students an opportunity to receive feedback on their works from professional designers and the general public.
Fusing social awareness, academia and industry insight together, the exhibition is the 5th annual event hosted by Greening the Beige, one of the most active non-profit volunteer organizations dedicated to raising environmental awareness. Greening the Beige teamed up with We Impact, a Beijing-based social enterprise that promotes sustainable living around the world. "All products are closely related to items used in day-to-day life and were produced with current, simple materials. Instead of looking at these objects on the shelves of a shop under glamorous lighting, visitors get to see and to experience firsthand how simple designs can make positive changes to their daily lives," said Silvia Meng from the marketing and PR department at We Impact. The enterprise employs market-based strategies and business services to create social, environmental, and financial value for communities and stakeholders. Meng suggested that training and public policies might encourage more Chinese companies see the benefits of creative design and sustainability. Liang also suggested that public awareness campaigns, company-backed design competitions and increased employment opportunities for young, upcoming designers could also boost the industry.
When: December 10-18
Where: The Centre, We Impact Room 1204, Building 12, 1 Xiangheyuan Road, Wanguocheng MOMA, Dongcheng district
Admission: Free
Contact: Visit www.greeningthebeige.org or phone 158-106-39522
