Sustainability Work Examples
Formaldehyde within the Manufacturing and Use Phase of the Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry
The chemical analyzed in this case study is Formaldehyde (FA, CAS number is 50-00-0, molecular formula of C-H2-O). Formaldehyde was chosen to analyze due to it’s widespread use across a variety of different sectors. It is of concern given the compound has been categorized as a human carcinogen, causes adverse health effects to animals, and inhibits the growth in plants. The system focused on in this case study is the manufacturer and use phase of formaldehyde within the cosmetics and personal care industry. Case study includes assessment to hazards to human health, hazards to the environment, potential to be a Persistant Bioaccumulative Toxic (PBT), uncertainties limiting ability to understand chemical sustainability, regulations around Formaldehyde, and discrepancies in regulations across countries.
Sustainable Supply Chain Plan for National Geographic Society.
While completing the Master in Sustainability program at Harvard, the final semester encompassed a capstone project on behalf of a client. My client was National Geographic Society and worked directly with 15 different teams across the organization. The project's primary objective involved a comprehensive action plan to minimize environmental impact across their supply chain. My project was awarded the prestigious Director's Prize. For the sake of confidentiality, the specific details pertaining to the project remain undisclosed.
Life Cycle Analysis of FSC-Certified Paper Tube vs Plastic Pouch Packaging for Personal Care Company
Life Cycle Analysis for personal care brand analyzing switching from plastic pouch packaging printed with petroleum-based ink to FSC-Certified Paper Tubes printed with soy-based ink using USEEIO & EcoInvent Data Processes. Results concluded paper tubes have lower impact across all categories. Due to the tubes heavier weight and inability to collapse in shipping compared to pouches, transportation in distribution phase is significant, resulting in negative impact to Damage to Ecosystems and Climate Change. Use phase for tubes had net positive impact on climate change, little water usage, and no impact to other categories. Sensitivity test was conducted comparing air versus ocean freight which demonstrated Paper tubes a higher Climate Change impact when shipped air compared to plastic bags and significant increases in Damage to Resource Availability and Damage to Ecosystems Impact categories, therefore, shipping ocean freight was crucial to minimize environmental impact. Normalization factors were created to convey data as digestible information for customers (see figure on left).
Sustainable Infrastructure: Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-scale Mining Project Assessment using ENVISION Rating System
Assessed the sustainability of Ghana’s Landscape Restoration and Small-scale Mining Project Assessment infrastructure projec using sustainable infrastructure assessment tool the Envision rating system. Mapped findings to the Sustainable Development Goals indicators to conclude which ones the project achieves well, which ones would need improvement, and which ones should be introduced going forward. Identified main challenges and project contributions towards the global climate action goals.
Environmental Impacts of Polyester in the Textile and Apparel Industry.
Polyester has wide-spread environmental impacts as the dominant fiber in the textiles and apparel industry, including ecosystem destruction, natural resources depletion, emission of greenhouse gases, and water pollution. This report outlines the impacts specifically through the stages of production, washing, and disposal, and was constructed with the intent of helping fashion brands, designers, and consumers understand the exigency of transitioning away from this oil-derived fiber.
Approaches to Mitigate Environmental Impacts of Polyester.
Sustainable fashion is key to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda – and since polyester is the most widely used fiber globally, it is palpable that transitioning away from the petroleum-derived fiber is essential to achieving sustainable fashion. This report addresses the current industry approaches being taken to increase circularity and reduce environmental impacts around polyester, including new business models focused on investing in the future and preferred alternatives to virgin polyester including recycled and biosynthetic polyester. To what extent are these solutions are driving a more sustainable industry? Click below to find out.
Stakeholder Sustainable Action Plan for Fashion Industry.
Sustainable Action Plan for stakeholder’s in the fashion industry. This report discusses a vision for a future sustainable fashion industry built on circular economy concepts and socially-responsible, transparent supply chains. What next steps are most critical to reaching 2030 goals? Read the report below to learn about which system needs to be immediately addressed, strategies to mitigate impacts, and recommended policies to drive change within that system.
Design and Proposal for 45 MW Solar Energy Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Design and proposal for 49 megawatt nameplate-capacity photovoltaic (PV) facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico (land-for-equity deal). Proposal includes electricity production calculations, financials, and projected estimated health and environmental benefits of project including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, DALYs, Years and Resource Scarcity Damages. Click below to learn about how this profitable project (ROI 22%) creates over 6,000 jobs, saves an estimated 62,220 metric tons (CO2 equivalent) per year, saves over 200 disability-adjusted lifes years, and includes an environmental remediation fund!
Sustainable Infrastructure: Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-scale Mining Project Assessment using ENVISION Rating System
Assessed the sustainability of Ghana’s Landscape Restoration and Small-scale Mining Project Assessment infrastructure projec using sustainable infrastructure assessment tool the Envision rating system. Mapped findings to the Sustainable Development Goals indicators to conclude which ones the project achieves well, which ones would need improvement, and which ones should be introduced going forward. Identified main challenges and project contributions towards the global climate action goals.
Environmental Impacts of Polyester in the Textile and Apparel Industry.
Polyester has wide-spread environmental impacts as the dominant fiber in the textiles and apparel industry, including ecosystem destruction, natural resources depletion, emission of greenhouse gases, and water pollution. This report outlines the impacts specifically through the stages of production, washing, and disposal, and was constructed with the intent of helping fashion brands, designers, and consumers understand the exigency of transitioning away from this oil-derived fiber.
Sustainable Marketing Brand Study for GUESS Inc.
Sustainable Marketing Brand Analysis and Strategy for the fashion brand GUESS Inc. This comprehensive study includes an examination of brand purpose, brand identity, brand associations, brand persuasion, brand trust and loyalty, and competitor analysis. Subsequently, the report offers strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing these aspects for the brand's continuous improvement.
Microalgae Bioplastic Sustainable Product Design and Proposal
The Social Dilemma of Public Transportation Versus Private Car Use.
Emissions from automobiles are responsible for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gases, cause considerable air pollution, and have been linked to serious health consequences such as cancer and diseases. This paper focuses on the social dilemma of a small city addressing pollution, its carbon footprint and traffic by offering free public transportation for city workers. The commuting by car versus public transportation social dilemma is assessed through the pay-off matrix and illustrates that city workers will gain the highest reward when both the individual and group cooperate by commuting by public transportation. Click below to learn how solutions for traffic-induced environmental pollution can be strategized by understanding the influence of social value orientations (individual, competitive, and cooperation).
Impacts and Policies for the Emerald Ash Borer Invasion in the United States.
The EAB is the most damaging and expensive non-native species to invade North America to date, with hundreds of millions of ash trees lost and populations continues to spread. This essay explores the impacts of the invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) including ecological changes, economic losses and negative impacts to human health. Current policies to prevent and control invasion of EAB have found to be ineffective, therefore, new policy adoption is imperative to prevent further destruction. Click below to read about potential policies to stop the invasion of EAB and save our Ash Trees.