Some of the issues we’ve tackled include:

• Reducing plastic pollution

• Designing circular waste systems

• Building disaster preparedness plans

• Strengthening local economies

• Supporting the informal sector

• Piloting eco-innovation using natural materials

If it’s complex, interconnected, and urgent — we’re probably working on it.

We address the root causes of plastic pollution across the full lifecycle, including alternative materials, reuse and refill systems, single use plastics, waste management, informal sector integration, extended producer responsibility and deposit return schemes, recycling, litter assessment and bio remediation. We explore plastics through cross cutting themes of behavior, financing, policy, technology, innovation and inclusion.

We don’t show up with a template. Our work is grounded in design thinking, systems thinking, and deep listening. We believe nature is the best teacher — so we mimic its resilience and efficiency. No quick fixes here. Only thoughtful, locally-rooted change.

We collaborate with anyone ready to rethink how systems work, and how people and planet can thrive together.

Yes and no. We’re based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina — but our mindset and partnerships are global. We've worked on waste systems in Southeast Asia, climate resilience in small island states, and economic development in Latin America. Every place teaches us something new.

Yes, we work closely with our partners to developed tailored events, excursions and curriculum informed by behavioral science and the art of gathering to bring meaning and life-long learning to various audiences.

We can! SDS manages a comprehensive dataset of available funding to support a wide variety of sustainable development initiatives including grants, low-interest loans, soft-hearted capital, and impact investors that can be matched to each project's unique circumstances to maximize the likelihood of success.

Yes — and they’re hands-on. Our interns work directly on projects that matter, from policy research to stakeholder engagement. We’re especially excited about mentoring students and early-career professionals who think holistically and care deeply.