We interviewed Marta Andres and Kelli Wasylik, who recently completed the International Master in Sustainable Business & Innovation and are crafting a platform called Simplifying Sustainability that offers a wide variety of sustainability content. The platform will officially launch on July 20. Marta is from Spain, and Kelli is from the United States. They have both lived in multiple European countries, and have big dreams for the platform.
Can you tell us a bit about Simplifying Sustainability and what inspired you to create it?
Simplifying Sustainability provides content that covers different aspects of sustainability, with the goal of simplifying topics for all readers. We were inspired to create a space with long term potential to form a global community, and act as a resource for easy-to-digest content.
How do you select the content you publish? What types of contributors do you work with?
Originally, we began writing about topics we enjoyed most or drew inspiration from. The platform has been well-received, and we have 10 global contributors who are writing with us. Some contributors are sustainability professionals who support different sectors including (but not limited to) industrial design, fashion and marketing. Additionally, we hope that in the future EADA students will be able to collaborate too.
Who do you envision reading Simplifying Sustainability? What is the most important idea that you would like your readers to take away with them?
We aim to offer a variety of content and have big aspirations of continuing to expand the “brand” of Simplifying Sustainability. We want our readers to feel empowered from the articles that we and our collaborators write. As the goal is to expand awareness around sustainability, it is important to attract all types of readers.
What areas of sustainability are you most passionate about?
Kelli is passionate about environmental sustainability including reducing food waste, circular fashion and green design/construction. Marta is thrilled about innovative entrepreneurship and impact investing.
There are many ways to “be more sustainable”, but a strong connection to a conscious lifestyle could begin with overall awareness of our impact on the environment.
In which areas of sustainability do you think people can make the most change as individuals? What about as companies and organisations?
The presence of sustainability is expanding, and is multi-faceted. For each person, sustainability may look different. There are many ways to “be more sustainable”, but a strong connection to a conscious lifestyle could begin with overall awareness of our impact on the environment. It is important for companies and organisations to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) to confirm their commitment to sustainability. The SDG’s enhance the credibility of an organisation, and encourage stakeholder collaboration/partnerships.
What were the biggest challenges in the project and how did you overcome them?
The website is an ongoing project, and something we think long term. We have much to learn –as this is our first built website– especially about engaging our collaborators and readers. COVID-19 presented us with challenges at times, but ultimately, it has provided more of a window of opportunity for personal introspection. We realized we wanted to create something impactful. For this, virtual communities offered huge potential, as they allowed us to craft genuine connections in difficult times for human contact.
Do you have any special plans for the big launch later this month?
On July 20, we will be rolling out the site on multiple media platforms, including Medium and LinkedIn. As we continue to develop content with current contributors, we see collaborations growing to form an authentic “community” of sustainability professionals and advocates. Additionally, we seek to build partnerships with larger organisations that incorporate sustainable strategies.
We have been inspired to combine our educational skills from EADA and our soft skills learned in the Residential Training Campus to execute our mission.
How do you think your EADA experience gave you the tools to succeed?
EADA was a source of inspiration of sustainability, and crafted an educational experience, highlighting the core competencies of new business paradigms. We have been inspired to combine our educational skills from EADA and our soft skills learned in the Residential Training Campus to execute our mission.
What advice would you offer to future students looking to launch a similar project?
Just do it, go for it. If an idea motivates you, don’t wait!