Rationale

 Project 2: Green Gifting Rationale
 

Bambusa

Gift giving is viewed as a spirited gesture that will have a meaningful contribution to the receiver’s life. To achieve this, a number of things need to be considered, the competitors and existing products, the target market and the product.
The interpretation of the green gifting project was to look at already existing products and redesigning it in an innovative and eco-friendly way. The concept focuses on the message the user carries when they use this product, visually voicing that they are environmentally aware and that they support eco-friendly design. The Bambusa, the Latin word for Bamboo, reinterprets the use of metal materials in money clips to Bamboo, one that is sustainable, biodegradable, 100% recyclable and eco-friendly, thus satisfying the qualities of a green gift.
The Bambusa is a money clip with an overall simplistic design, with small ‘almost not there’ details that work hand in hand to allow for an effective product. The two layered veneer bamboo is smoothly bent with sanded down edges and corners. The body of the Bambusa is flattened to ensure that money and cards do not slip out. The cut out detail on the corner of the top lip allows for money and cards to slide in easier.

Packaging
The Bambusa comes in a fitted rectangular box made from recycled cardboard. The packaging was created from a net and does not require any additional fasteners to close.
follows the same aesthetic principles as the product, simplistic. The box simply has the brand, logo and product name on the lid. 

Target Market
My product targets a contemporary subculture of male middle class younger adults and teenagers.  This ties in with this subculture's environmental awareness and alternative lifestyle. In addition to this niche, my product caters to anyone who looks to voice their environmental opinion visually, through the clothes and accessories they wear. Thus, this niche market are the primary people who would enjoy and appreciate receiving this product as a gift.

In respect to the Okala ecological design strategies, the Bambusa satisfies 7 key points:

-          Avoid materials that damage human or ecological health

-          Avoid materials that deplete natural resources

-          Use recyclable non-toxic materials

-          Provide ability to biodegrade

-          Use renewable resources

Bamboo is renewable and recyclable, it can replenish itself once harvested and does not require chemicals such as fertiliser and pesticide. In comparison to hardwood tree species, bamboo is an efficient alternative, as minimal water is required and they are quick growing, with up to 120cm per day. Bamboo can also grow in diverse climates and can restore lands that were once over-farmed, overgrazed or poorly treated. Furthermore, bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide from the air at a greater rate and also released about 35% more oxygen.
As bamboo is 100% natural, it is biodegradable, thus having the ability to return to the earth naturally after living it’s life cycle. Bamboo products can decompose into a completely reusable and nutrient-rich composted soil. 

-          Minimise quantity of materials

This material was an appropriate substitute to make this product not only because of these environmental attributes, but because it is durable, flexible and lightweight. Two thin sheets of veneer bamboo was bent then stuck together by non-toxic glue. This product uses a uniform material to allow for ease in its disposal and recyclability after use.

-          Reduce product and packaging weight

Reiterating the previous point, as the product utilises minimal materials in symmetry with the lightweight elements of bamboo, the actual product is very light. The packaging for the Bambusa is consistent of a small rectangular box made of recycled cardboard, with interior fittings for the money clip. Both of these aspects use one uniform material to achieve its purpose and use minimal of each. 

Competitors
Most of the competitors as a cohort use metal as the main body of the money clip, which is advantageous for the Bambusa in that it is bringing to the market a fresh new take. Furthermore, through discussion with peers, they voiced an opinion that metal felt tacky and that in this day and age, different and eco-friendly materials are more appealing, and enjoyed this fresh take on the money clip.