As generative AI (gen-ai) technologies rapidly advance, the ecological impact is becoming an urgent global concern. What is not necessary at the forefront of users' minds are the complex operating systems behind simple user interfaces that consume vast amounts of energy and water. In this chapter, these global challenges are explored at a regional level in relation to the development of Scotland’s AI strategy through an interdisciplinary collaboration that sits at the intersection of design practice and policy. The authors reflect on their respective design and participation practices and roles as Academic Lead and Contextual Partner Lead in a project undertaken with master’s students on a taught design programme. In this project, the students explored the interconnected areas of gen-ai’s consumption of finite resources, repurposing ai waste bi-products, governance and decision-making frameworks and community-based climate adaption to collectively address the broader question of how gen-ai users can better understand and become more aware of the environmental impacts and carbon costs of gen-ai to shape responsible behaviours. This chapter offers insights into the value of design-led approaches for translating, bring form to and socialising the abstract, hidden and technical dimensions of gen-ai technologies through a material language that supports ai literacy for community-level consultation and deliberation.