The Hannover Principles

I came across this set of sustainable design guiding principles while perusing the Arboretum blog (http://arboretumapparel.com/). This document was originally proposed in the early 90s by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, authors of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way we Make Things (2002).

What I like about the authors’ approach is embodied in their suggestion that “The Hannover Principles should be seen as a living document committed to the transformation and growth in the understanding of our interdependence with nature, so that they may adapt as our knowledge of the world evolves.” The principles are fluid, and subject to a growth in comprehension. A hopeful openess with which I feel quite familiar. (I’m recalling here my argument for the use of the term “mindful” in the title of this blog.)

What I’m left wondering at most intently is: are there are any specific ways in which these principals should be tweaked when applied specifically to the fashion industry? Or, are there perhaps certain of these principles that are more pertinent to apparel production than others?

1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable condition.
2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend upon the natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to recognizing even distant effects.
3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of human settlement including community, dwelling, industry and trade in terms of existing and evolving connections between spiritual and material consciousness.
4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon human well-being, the viability of natural systems and their right to co-exist.
5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for maintenance or vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creation of products, processes or standards.
6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life-cycle of products and processes, to approach the state of natural systems, in which there is no waste.
7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living world, derive their creative forces from perpetual solar income. Incorporate this energy efficiently and safely for responsible use.
8. Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever and design does not solve all problems. Those who create and plan should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a model and mentor, not as an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.
9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers and users to link long term sustainable considerations with ethical responsibility, and re-establish the integral relationship between natural processes and human activity.
(http://www.mindfully.org/Sustainability/Hannover-Principles.htm)