This guide is designed for researchers to find articles and online resources to get started with research in topics related to sustainable design including architecture and interior design, fashion and apparel design, and product design.
Article databases and reference materials
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Environmental Engineering AbstractsEnvironmental Engineering Abstracts covers the world literature pertaining to technological and engineering aspects of air and water quality, environmental safety, and energy production.
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Mintel Global New Products DatabaseMintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) is a source of new product information. GNPD includes new product launches since 1996, spans 86 countries in all CPG categories, including OTC healthcare and records image, product and package details.
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Encyclopedia of Products and Industries ManufacturingFind information on various aspects of a product, the manufacturers, suppliers, immediate and adjacent industries and markets. Emphasizes manufacturers of numerous durable goods such as tires, automobiles, appliances, business equipment, home furnishing and sporting goods.
Online resources
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Industrial Design for Sustainable Development - United NationsA technical service module aimed to help countries maximize sustainability through innovative industrial design.
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APR Design® Guide for Plastics RecyclabilityA guide that assists designers with measuring each aspect of a package design against industry accepted criteria to ensure that the item is recyclable.
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Green Guides - Federal Trade CommissionThe Green Guides are designed to help marketers and consumers recognize and avoid misleading environmental claims.
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Cradle to Cradle - Products Innovation InstituteA product standard that provides the framework to assess the safety, circularity, and responsibility of materials and products to enable a healthy, equitable, and sustainable future.
Professional organizations
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Industrial Designers Society of AmericaThe Industrial Designers Society of America produces a wide range of professional development, localized programming, and networking opportunities.
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Business Institutional Furniture Manufacturers AssociationA not-for-profit trade association for business and institutional furniture manufacturers that sponsors the development of standards, provides statistical and educational resources, and promotes sustainability in the life cycle of furniture.
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The Sustainable Furnishings CouncilA coalition of manufacturers, retailers, and designers dedicated to raising awareness of environmentally sustainable practices in the home furnishings industry. Provides resources about waste reduction and recycling, energy use, health and environmental safety, awareness in advertising, and material choices.
Last Updated: Jun 4, 2025 4:17 PM
URL: https://libguides.umn.edu/c.php?g=1311166