Sustainability in Digital Art & Student Living

Sustainability is something a lot of people talk about, but it starts with small habits rather than big dramatic changes. As students, most of our decisions feel minor, but they still add up over time. Even the items we buy for our rooms or our everyday use can make a difference.

When I created REDACTED VISUALS, I wanted to offer designs and products that last. A lot of student décor is cheap, fades quickly, or gets thrown out before the year is over. That turns into waste that does not need to happen. Choosing items that stay in good condition, or that you actually want to keep for a long time, helps reduce how much ends up in the trash. This is why I avoided fads like current memes, or anything that enters mainstream media already with a countdown to when it’s suddenly “not cool”.

One of the companies I researched on behalf of REDACTED VISUALS was ECOENCLOSE, which just recently announced their “Next-Gen Seaweed Packaging” on ecoenclose.com. They offer pricing for brands who are sourcing low quantity of packaging, which is great since I’m just starting out. What really stuck out to me was the fact that ECOENCLOSE doesn’t shy away from the truth that no packing is 100% sustantaible, even theirs. But they strive to make tangible progress to achieve that goal with each new partnership.

Another company I’ve been looking into is noissue.co. One of their key features is custom branding on all of their eco-packing, such as Poly Mailers and Totes. I think branding is that final step that really makes an impact on a customer, where the difference between recieving an order in a generic box or one that reminds them of where they shopped really makes that connection.

Both of these companies offer great solutions to my packing options, especially if I am able to source a local vendor to generate my products. Pairing a local vendor with online orders from these companies will really improve my eco-footprint, and give me confidence in what I offer and my customers in what they buy.

Sustainability is not about being perfect. It is mostly about being aware of what we buy and why we buy it. If we choose things with a bit more intention, especially as students who move often and live in smaller spaces, we naturally waste less. Even a few thoughtful choices can have a positive impact.