Dominant approaches to developing more sustainable ways of living are often underpinned by the modern values and knowledge that have been instrumental in creating our unsustainable world. Such approaches tend to emphasise reducing unsustainability via technological fixes rather than addressing sustainability more comprehensively. This paper argues that more traditional forms of knowledge (associated with deeper ecological, spiritual and ethical values) are important for addressing sustainability more holistically. To demonstrate this, we present and discuss the Miswak Toothbrush designed by the lead author. The Miswak Toothbrush has been designed to appeal to modern teeth cleaning customs but its brush head is made from Miswak, a natural twig that has a long tradition of use for teeth cleaning in rural India. This paper contributes insights into what contemporary product design can learn from traditional knowledge by discussing the implications of the Miswak Toothbrush for the development of a more meaningful and more sustainable material culture.
Mainstream design approaches for developing more sustainable ways of living are often underpinned by the very modern values that have been instrumental in creating our unsustainable world. These values include those of consumerism, economic growth, efficiency, and technological optimism – exemplified by mainstream Triple Bottom Line approaches, including the popular Circular Economy concept. Mounting evidence of unsustainability, however, suggests that such approaches may not be sufficient to bring about the scale of change required. We present initial findings from an ongoing research project that examines what Design for Sustainability can learn from traditional products and practices in India that are not underpinned by modern values. We focused on one traditional product, the mortar and pestle, comparing it with a contemporary spice grinder. We offer five initial findings for developing contemporary products in a more comprehensive and holistic manner than is currently the case.
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