So when I talk about design and sustainability, this is part of what I mean.

Image from Sustainability by design

Now, if you haven't listened to any TED Talks, you're missing out. They're generally fairly short seminars on a wide variety of topics where you can learn things that you might not have known.

One of my favorite playlists is Sustainability by design.  It ranges over a whole bunch of different ways where design can impact sustainability - from making plastic from mushrooms and growing your own house to things that might be counter-intuitive like environmental folklore (paper products aren't always a better choice than plastic) to landscape design to encouraging micro-flora. Design can impact our environment and sustainability in surprising, interesting, and innovative ways.