smashLAB started to consider the amount of waste designers are responsible for. The paper and pulp industry is the third largest polluter, and according to the AIGA, their members alone specify or purchase $9.1 billion in printing and paper annually. In seeking ways to help mitigate their impact, smashLAB found few resources directly related to graphic design. There had been discussion, essays, and conferences dedicated to sustainability, but not much in the way of a clearing house for sustainable graphic design information.

Design Can Change provides a resource that answers many designer’s questions while helping design buyers locate environmentally-sensitive graphic designers. The site encourages designers to make this issue pivotal in all aspects of their practice by asking them to engage suppliers, clients, students and the general public in discussion around sustainability. Through vivid photographs and concise infographics, Design Can Change makes a compelling argument that encourages designers to act now while outlining the steps to do so.

Getting a large number of people to commit to any kind of breaking initiative is difficult at best, but with Design Can Change smashLAB was able to generate interest and strong support for a worthy cause. Well-recognized members of the design community offered contributions and trade publications took notice to further propel the effort. smashLAB also strengthened relationships already established with their blog and made new connections with like-minded online communities.