In the past, I have done business ethics courses with an emphasis on corporate social responsibility. Of such responsibilities, I have always been the team member that advocates for environmental protection and sustainability movements. As a result, it is fair to call me an environmentalist, animal rights activist, and general supporter.

This cause is near and dear to me and has been for a long time.

Since grade school, I have volunteered and raised money for animal shelters, cleaned up mangroves, and have attempted to be well read with news and current events involving the environment, with an emphasis on animals and wildlife.

One of the biggest takeaways from the aforementioned course was that it is simply not enough for a business to say they care – or even do a sponsored event. True change comes from time and dedication, and having a personal interest in the cause can aid such results. As a result, I think it would be beneficial for employees and businesses to learn how their companies can move towards implementing sustainability into the company’s overall mission.

Certain aspects that should be emphasized are those of how sustainability can be introduced into steps of operational management - such as supply chain, shipping, transportation and logistics, as well as the how sustainability can generally improve optimization of production.

Over spring break, I partook in a study abroad in Germany, the angle of which was technology, innovation, and sustainability. As a result, I’ve been exposed to certain companies – such as BMW and IC! Berlin, that takes to recycling and reusing spare metallic sheets, and host most, if not all production in-house in attempts to decrease not only delays and bottlenecks but their ecological footprint.

In turn, we were able to see increased German efficiency – so much so that it’s a world-known model, as referred to in various class textbooks I've had to read, both prior to and since the trip.

That experience had me thinking about how businesses could be doing more, especially if it can and will increase business operations, efficiency and profits – all while doing good for the planet.