To create awareness about electronic waste amongst schoolchildren in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, painting competitions on the theme ‘Thinking about E-waste’ were organised in select high schools in NCR in late 2009 by GIZ India and Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group. To take the issue and message of electronic waste further, design of a 2010 wall calendar containing 12 selected paintings from the competition was commissioned.

Above: ‘Thinking about E-Waste’ wall calendar cover

All 12 shortlisted paintings were in portrait orientation and that, to begin with, defined the tall format of the calendar, which was laid out in 11″(w) x 17″(h) size. The calendar cover showcased all the 12 paintings that were featured on the inside pages. The high quality finish and creativity of the paintings amazed both the organisers and the designer and the design thus aimed to maximise the impact of each painting on every calendar page. Since the paintings by school children were quite playful, it was decided that the layout would be playful as well but only to the extent of ‘supporting’ the wonderful works of art showcased on the calendar and not to the extent of disturbing or dominating them.

Above: ‘Thinking about E-Waste’ wall calendar detail

Flat, rectangular areas of grey colour with distorted edges (symbolising e-waste components) and uneven lines (symbolising waste or discarded wires) were used as background design elements to strengthen the layout and to make it interesting. A stylistic or novelty typeface with a strong electronic feel was used for all calendar text.

Above: ‘Thinking about E-Waste’ calendar September and October pages

Each calendar page consisted of one painting occupying a dominant place or space in the layout, along with name and school information of the student who made the painting and a small fact about electronic waste. ‘Thinking about E-Waste’ of course featured prominently on every page!

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