Tyler Stoner Blog (453)

After reading Chapter 3 of Design is the Problem, I think the most important message I learned was Shedroff's point that no one model is incomplete. They can and should be used together, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses. However, if having to select the best out of these frameworks, I believe that the Sustainability Helix model is the best. It is the best because it is accessible and more likely to enact and more comprehensive in what issues are being evaluated. The process of identifying the Sustainability Helix model as the best was heavily grounded in looking for a model that surpassed the Life Cycle Analysis model. As I examined the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), I began to identify qualifying benchmarks that would shape which model I selected was the best of Chapter 3. Undoubtedly, LCA is an incredibly well-suited and thoroughly accurate mechanism for assessing environmental impacts. However, it is also tricky, time-consuming, and expensive. Consequently, it

I really appreciated the Brief Case presentations; I left the class with a sense of optimism, excited to see how sustainability trends like the ones discussed will continue to expand. Mainly as a senior, it sparked excitement over how my graduating class will soon be joining the workforce to continue the mission of broadening sustainability. This course has elucidated my peers' passion for sustainability, which is an exciting and powerful force. With this being said, I have 2  big lessons learned from the Brief Case Presentations. 1. More companies are embracing missions other than maximizing profit; they are placing more profound value on sustainability. Overall, more and more companies are placing a higher value on sustainability. As somewhat of a cynic, I am often inclined to believe that some companies assume a sustainability role to adhere to government regulations or appease a growingly sustainable conscious consumer group. However, this particular class challenged my cynicis

  To truly make this meaningful, I looked back at how my definition of wellness has transformed over time. Earlier in my life, wellness equated to how successful I was- I had very tangible and articulated goals of how I should be performing. Wellness was All A's, being a certain weight, spending a certain amount of time with others... This unforgiving mentality of wellness was a significant stress source for me when I did not meet these goals. Thankfully, I have had a significant transformation in my perception of what it means to achieve a healthy well-being. My transformation shifted from these very harsh goals to a more holistic approach, where I value feelings and intuition over my life. Transferring to William & Mary, I had to assume this approach to maintain a sustainable life. With that, here is my definition of well-being along with my model of well-being. Definition of well-being: To achieve harmony throughout one's life, each dimension of wellness acts and interac