3D Printing & Digital Fabrication
What is the main difference between traditional manufacturing and 3D printing?
Traditional manufacturing removes material (subtractive), while 3D printing adds it layer by layer (additive).
What is an eco-label, and why is third-party verification important?
A mark identifying environmentally friendly products; verification ensures trust and prevents greenwashing.
How many tons of plastic packaging enter the oceans each year?
8 million tons.
This principle embodies the idea that simplicity leads to clarity and, ultimately, to a more profound form of beauty. (3 words)
"less is more"
What does ethical consumerism mean?
Buying products that are good for people, animals, and the planet.
How much water, in liters, does it take to make a single cotton T-shirt?
Up to 2,700 liters.
By what percentage can 3D printing reduce material waste compared to traditional methods?
Up to 90%.
Name the three types of eco-labels.
Type I (third-party certified), Type II (self-declared claims), Type III (environmental product declarations).
Name the four “R” principles of sustainable packaging.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replace.
What does “functionality before aesthetics” mean in minimalist design?
Design decisions are driven by purpose and usefulness, not looks alone.
Patagonia's campaign that discouraged unnecessary purchases to promote reuse and sustainability.
“Don’t Buy This Jacket”
What is one key difference between fast fashion and slow fashion?
Fast fashion = cheap, trendy, short-lived
Slow fashion = high-quality, durable, ethical.
Name one sustainable material used in 3D printing and explain why it’s eco-friendly.
PLA — plant-based, biodegradable, renewable resource (like corn starch).
Which eco-label certifies energy-efficient appliances and electronics?
ENERGY STAR.
What natural material is used to make mushroom packaging, and how long does it take to biodegrade?
Mycelium; about 45 days.
Name one environmental benefit of minimalist design.
Uses fewer materials, less waste, easier recycling, longer product life.
Vague terms like “eco-friendly,” no certifications, or excessive nature imagery.
greenwashing
What are two environmental benefits of organic cotton?
Uses 91% less water, no synthetic pesticides, improves soil fertility.
What is one major challenge of using recycled PLA (rPLA)?
Lower tensile strength and durability compared to virgin PLA.
What does the Fairtrade certification guarantee?
Fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable farming for producers.
Which company phased out padded plastic shipping bags in favor of recyclable alternatives?
Amazon.
What is negative space, and why is it important in design?
Empty/blank space that emphasizes clarity and focus in design.
Which ice cream company combines activism with their brand identity?
Ben & Jerry’s.
Why is hemp considered an eco-powerhouse textile?
High yield, low input, carbon negative, durable, soil-regenerative.
How does 3D printing support the circular economy?
Enables repair with spare parts on demand, reuses materials, and reduces transport emissions through local manufacturing.
Which company famously adopted FSC certification for its furniture wood to protect forests?
IKEA.
What percentage of plastic packaging is currently collected for recycling globally?
Only 14%.
Which company was highlighted for using modular phone design to extend product lifespan?
Fairphone.
61% of people surveyed in this generation believe they have the power to drive organizational change.
Gen Z.
What problem makes bamboo textiles less sustainable than they appear?
Chemical processing with toxic solvents like carbon disulfide.
Give one real-world example of 3D printing being used in sustainability.
Vestas uses 3D printing for wind turbine parts; Precious Plastic turns waste into new products.
What percentage of consumers are more likely to buy products with credible eco-labels?
78%.
What is one common sign of greenwashing in packaging?
Vague claims like “eco-friendly” without details or certification.
How does minimalism support the circular economy?
Encourages durability, reuse, and reduced material use.
Name one certification that proves authentic sustainability.
Fairtrade, FSC, B Corp.
Which of the three textiles (organic cotton, hemp, bamboo) is considered most environmentally friendly overall?
Hemp.