Interactions between cultural degradation and market conquest: a problem for ecodesign

Based on the notion of durability and culture proposed by Agenda 21 at the UN Conference in 1992, this text analyses the imposition of products manufactured by industry in the light of globalisation, considering this imposition as a source of environmental degradation: a cultural degradation. The process of industrial production involves design, a tool which looks to balance the interests of industry and the interests of the user. In the perspective of environment and culture, we ask what role design could play.