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. With Clean-water cause
Posted by Rob Walker on July 30, 2007
Posted Under: Uncategorized
Posted Under: Uncategorized
Somehow, the people behind this managed to get my home address (maybe they inquired and it’s slipped my bind) and mailed to me their multipage newsprint piece on behalf of Buyameter.org. The point of it is this:
One in four households in Hale County [Alabama] is not connected to a municipal water system.
Without this service, families get water from sources that can be contaminated with sewage.
It costs $425 to bring clean water to one of these homes.
Help a family. Buy a meter.
I know nothing about the underlying facts here. But it certainly does seem shocking that anybody in America should be dealing with such a basic issue.
More about the project and those behind it here.
Further diversion may be found at MKTG Tumblr, and the Consumed Facebook page.
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Kim Fellner's book 
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Reader Comments
That is shocking. More info on the donation site:
“On June 2nd, eight young graphic designers arrived in Hale County—the second poorest in Alabama. We came from San Francisco, New York, Baltimore, Dallas and Dubai to live among its residents for one month. Inspired by the late architect Samuel Mockbee and the work he did with Auburn University’s Rural Studio, we came with a commitment to use our skills to positively affect the lives of our country’s neediest citizens…..”
This is a good example of what designers can do to help a cause. I think the way the message is delivered via the printed piece is effective – it sure got your attention. I think the printed piece is a bit wasteful, though… a lot of paper and ink were wasted before it got to the point.
Waste is a relative term. If a little paper and ink can help bring a family clean water then is it really wasteful? Creating something that consumed fewer print resources might be less effective — and that WOULD be a waste.
Anyway, I bought a meter, so at least my money’s not going to waste.
:)