Task 5

Ethical Companies

Bananadesign is a small graphic design company in the UK set up by Holly Dyer and Dave McCourt in 1999. After working for the charity, ActionAid for five years, they both decided to open their own company and work for themselves. They believed they could make a positive difference through their work.

Not only do they have options for environmentally friendly print set up options including vegetable-based inks, waterless offset and alcohol free processes, they are also interested in good ethics. They do a great deal of work with charities, non-profit organizations and voluntary organizations, local groups, individuals and ethically minded companies.

They take pride in being an ethical company. Ethics is a part of Holly and Dave’s every day lives so it was no problem bringing the same philosophy into their work. They believe there is a place for ethics in every aspect of work and life. They started Bananadesign Company because they wanted to use their creativity to help people, animals and the environment. They strongly believe in social responsibility and helping to improve the world and their community.

I found the following comment at the bottom of a list of practical steps on their web site and had to add it. You can find more on their site.

“we are friendly and tolerant! As well as doing ‘ethical stuff’, it’s important to be nice people as well; we think that is probably the most achievable ethical thing anyone can do!”

I came across Advocate, which is based in London, and was impressed by mark Epton’s work in ethical design. He started Advocate in 2003 providing brand and graphic design services for ethical businesses and organizations. He has twelve years experience in design and has worked with green organizations and a campaigner of Greenpeace. He only works with designers and organizations doing good things for the community and the environment. From inspiring students to volunteer, to selling renewable energy, helping start a disability campaign group and encourages fostering in his community, Mark works to make a difference in the world and the environment.

On 1 Mar 2009, at 09:53, diversedesign73@aim.com wrote: 

> Dear Mark Epton, 
> 
> I am an MA student in Design for Communications at the University of > Westminster, UK. I am doing research about design companies and > good ethic practices. I found your web site quite refreshing and > passionate and wanted to know a bit more about your business, > specifically your ethics and how you help the local community. I > would love to hear more about how you built your company and why you > are so passionate about helping the environment. I am also very > interested in hearing more about your help in the community, for > example inspiring students to volunteer, the disability campaign > group and the National Beanpole Week. 
> 
> I understand your time is precious. I would be more than happy to correspond via email if that will better suite your schedule. 
> 
> 
> Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to hearing from you. 
> 
> 
> Kind Regards, 
> Mary Anne Pennington 
> MA Design for Communications 
> 07532377887 
> diversedesign73@aim.com 
> 

Hello Mary

I guess in a nut shell:

In 1996 I went to the Newbury Road Protest and helped in a very small way to end the Tories road building scheme. This event has defined my life. I've met so many passionate, intelligent people trying to protect our world. Over the last few years I've been involved with Greenpeace. My proudest moments have been to stand up and take non-violent direct action to stop environmental crimes, knowing that I could lose my liberty, but the feeling of taking action and standing up for what is right is very empowering.

I guess my design career has complimented my beliefs - it is more than a job, it is a vocation.

I hope this rambling helps.

Cheers

Mark

Advocate
Design with passion
8 Regent Street, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2AD
Telephone 01453 822338
www.advocate.uk.com



RESOURCES:

http://www.bananadesign.co.uk/

http://www.advocate.uk.com/