Focused Field Fusion: Sustainable Consumption in a Finite World

On April 10, 2024, the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability (IESS) hosted the “Focused Fields Workshop on Sustainable Consumption in a Finite World.” This workshop marked a significant moment in our interdisciplinary dialogue on sustainability.

The workshop featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including industry professionals from sectors such as water technology solutions, medical device, and consulting. Faculty members from the Kelley School of Business and the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs presented their current research. Their expertise spanned various fields, including business economics, public policy, marketing, environmental economics, and business laws. Together, they delved into a broad spectrum of crucial topics, fostering a comprehensive exploration of topics related to sustainable consumption.

Rebecca Slotegraaf, Associate Dean for Research at the Kelley School of Business opened the event by underscoring the important role of the IESS plays within the Kelley School and the significance of this event.

Patrick Decker, former president and CEO of Xylem and IU Kelley alum echoed that not only we have a finite world but also a finite time, and delivered a key message to the audience: Time + Purpose = Impact.
Kate Christensen, Assistant Professor of Marketing, brought us fascinating perspectives on how thinking about past can help connect us to our future selves end generations which increases concerns for the environment and the willingness to save for the future.
Ken Richards, Professor at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Maurer School of Law, shared a framework for understanding the influencing forces for business sustainability and implications for government policy.

Makayla Bonney, Sustainability Manager at Deloitte, provided a comprehensive overview of the global ESG regulatory landscape, highlighting the relevant standards and potential challenges.
In the research of product labeling, John Maxwell introduced the dual-updating problem about both the quality of the product and the quality of the label and made deep economic theory behind labeling easier to understand.
Scott Shackelford, Professor of Business Law and Ethics, discussed the role of cybersecurity in sustainability.

Barry Slowey, Vice President – Chief Sustainability Officer at Cook Medical, shared Cook Medical’s social impact and sustainability programs.
Erick Mas, Assistant Professor of Marketing, shared his research on the link between food waste and political ideology.
Kelley Wight, Assistant Professor of Marketing, shed light on how social media can promote prosocial behavior.

Owen Wu, Director of Research and Outreach at IESS, emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaborations in addressing environmental and social sustainability, noting that the Focused Fields Workshop wasn’t just about identifying problems but also exploring practical solutions and innovative strategies that can help us respect and conserve our finite resources.

As we reflect on today’s significance, let’s renew our commitment to making informed and sustainable choices that respect our finite world.