An example of ethical and sustainable approach to life in respect to design is quitting smoking. To relate to ‘The Plastic Bag New Year’s Resolution’, I am resolute to quit smoking as a self improvement plan. And with this entry, I would like to discuss how quitting smoking benefits ethical and sustainable means.
Tobacco smoking is the act of burning the leaves of the tobacco plant and inhaling the smoke for pleasure or ritualistic purposes, for self-medication, or out of habit and to satisfy addiction.
Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, an addictive stimulant which temporarily improves alertness, memory, and mood, but also forms a physical and psychological chemical dependence. Nicotine also increases anxiety and restlessness. On one hand, a smoker may argue that the physical effects of smoking keep them going. However, is this humanely ethical? Why alter your natural bodily functions? How is it possible that smoking is even considered as an ethical habit?
There was a time when cigarette smoking was advertised as part of a glamorous, carefree lifestyle, and became socially acceptable for women.
Danesi (1999):
‘Cigarettes have had some connection to sex or to something that is erotically, socially, or intellectually appealing. Musicians smoke; intellectuals smoke; artists smoke. Smoking is a symbol of both sexuality and unabashed bravado. Smoking seems to be the entire point of being an adult; smoking is fun.’
In the past, the media advertising focused only on buying and selling factors, undermining the effects the product has and the waste of materials it imposes.
It is said that an average smoker consumes 5000 cigarettes per year. Considering the gargantuan amount of materials wasted, healthcare costs and deadly emission effects, it is estimated that $50 billion is spent each year to sustain the actions of smokers.
‘A cigarette contains over 4000 chemicals, over 60 of which increase the risk of cancer and other diseases in humans and animals.’ When medical research determined that smoking contribute towards health problems like lung cancer, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease, the governmental authorities started discouraging smoking. Other than restricting cigarette advertising, in the UK, it is prohibited to smoke in public places such as restaurants, bars and pubs.
It is difficult to quit smoking due to the complicated withdrawal symptoms. Also, smokers are reluctant to quit smoking because the damages it causes cannot be seen in the short-term. This is when smokers should be questioned: ‘Where do your ethics lie?’ The wiser ones try by doing little ceremonies like breaking cigarette sticks to mark the significance of their transformation, as they start to question waste and think about their relationship to material.
Hawkins (2001):
‘It is a fundamental component of the arts of existence of the sensibilities that give meaning and order to the self. It is an activity through which we are able to query ways of being.’
Eventually, it all lies on personal will and ethics. In terms of sustainability, not only am I underlining human sustainability but also material sustainability.
As a designer, what is important is to design for need, not greed. As I question my consumption out of need or pleasure, I have realized that smoking is an unnecessary, luxury-based form of consumption. With all this in mind, hopefully, as soon as I have quit smoking, and sorted my ethical views on smoking, I can finally live up to:
Vassos (1987):
‘Design can only succeed if guided by an ethical view.’
References:
Papanek, V. The Green Imperative (2003)
Danesi, M. Of Cigarettes, High Heels, and Other Interesting Things (1999)
Hawkins, G. Plastic Bags: Living with Rubbish (2001)
wikipedia.org
quitsmoking.about.com
internurse.com
health.ri.gov
whyquit.com
