You probably see this universal symbol several times a day, even if you no longer notice it, made up of three arrows that form a kind of triangle, which means that a product is recyclable. But maybe you don’t know what the story behind it is.
The universal recycling symbol, now in the public domain, arose as an idea from a Chicago company, the Container Corporation of America, to help celebrate the first Earth Day in 1970 and also as a publicity stunt.
Little did they think that the symbol, winner of an ideas contest sponsored by that company, would end up becoming one of the most widespread and well-known in history.
The winner of the contest, to which more than 500 entries were submitted, was 23-year-old University of Southern California student Gary Anderson, seen here, sitting down, presenting his idea.
Anderson used the $2,500 prize money very well, using it to further studies in Europe. His design is considered one of the most influential of the 20th century, and that is only a symbol “of nothing”!
Although it is surprising, the young architecture and social sciences student did not dedicate himself to graphic design, although he did do some work in that field. Over time he received a doctorate in geography and environmental engineering, becoming what he is now, a world expert in territorial planning and management and environmental problems.
But, despite his many activities in multiple fields, he will be remembered in history for the brilliant and simple idea that came to his mind more than forty years ago.