Designers seek inspiration in the most unusual places. The shape of a leaf or the color of a priceless vase might be enough to trigger the next season’s fashions.

Similarly, LG’s product designers are constantly in search of inspiration and closely follow trends in consumers’ habits and broader social issues that may be addressed through technology.

An example of this is how the home appliance industry has increasingly focused on the environment over the past two decades. Through designing more efficient technologies, the home appliance industry is working to address environmental issues. This “green” or “eco-friendly” approach has seen products reduce power consumption and eschew the use of environmentally harmful materials, including refrigerants.

As recent environmental disasters and H1N1 and Avian Influenza pandemics have reminded us, our lives are not separate from environmental issues.

Businesses have recognized this concern and are bringing products to market to take advantage of an increasing awareness of the need for environmental harmony. As a result, manufacturers like LG are focusing on eco-friendly designs that provide modern comforts with a reduced environmental footprint.