Challenges to sustainability in the graphic design practices of a developing nation

Abstract

In this paper, we examine graphic design practices to highlight challenges to sustainability, how they manifest, and their associated outcomes in Ghana. It was discovered that the key challenges to sustainable practices were a lack of sustainability education, sustainability practice guidelines, and the improper disposal of waste chemicals. Other significant problems were air pollution, a lack of eco-papers and inks, poor gate-keeping of design content, and weak collaboration among designers. In addition, poor printing and weak design caused economic deficits, while some products designed for use were harmful to society. To minimize these challenges, we propose sustainability education for graphic designers, their production team, and clients. We further recommend that graphic designers should observe professional ethics in their graphic design practices to promote sustainability.