A limited edition large format poster that attempts to build awareness around and for sustainable design. The poster features the famous “Blue Marble” photograph of Earth taken on December 7, 1972, from a distance of around 29,400 kilometers (18,300 miles) from the planet’s surface. The photo was taken by the crew of the Apollo 17 spacecraft on its way to the Moon, and it is one of the most reproduced images in history. The image has the official NASA designation AS17-148-22727.

The text on the poster reads:

SIGNING is one way that humans solidify contracts, promises, and pacts. Imagine renting a flat in Paris—and upon making an agreement with the property owner—you, the renter, then sign a document promising care for the property—to maintain it, and, most likely, pay a fee to occupy the space.

Seeing that Earth is our only home—what is your agreement with it? Will you take care of the property as to ensure that future occupants can live here comfortably?

Some have said that our Earth is like a giant, self-sustaining spaceship. Earth—and life on spaceship Earth is fueled mainly by the Sun. Our Sun is a medium-sized star with a radius of about 700,064 kilometers (435,000 miles). As a significant source of energy—the Sun powers our oceans, atmosphere, land, and biosphere. Kepler-452 is also a star, but it is about 1,800 light-years away from Earth. While similar to our Sun—it is bigger and older. Scientists say we are incredibly fortunate to have the perfect star at a perfect distance. Some scientists call this the “Goldilocks principle,”—meaning that our Sun provides just the right amount of energy and comfort for life to thrive.

Since this is our only Earth, we should approach “designing” for, with, and on it with utmost care and respect. Design, then, while commonly equated to “style,” is more broadly a way to describe our human capacity for intentionality, planning, imagining, and creating all that is non-naturally occurring on Earth. Thus, any design that negates, damages, or depletes spaceship Earth also negates our chances for a healthy, prosperous future. Think about it—and if you agree—responsibly [de]sign here.

Credits—

• Dan Vlahos, Graphic Designer

Recognition—

• Winner, EU24 Poster Competition, Climate Justice Category, EU24, Engage for the Planet, Co-funded by the European Union, May 2024. (A3 Version)

FILED IN: Graphic Design