Reply To: Exercise pre-7: Project idea or videos
MY SFD – but in written format.
I apologize; I am unable to make today’s class, so I am putting my overall reflections as an SFD of my experience here.
Participating in the Joshua Spodek Sustainability Workshop was an enlightening experience, one that deepened my understanding of sustainability and challenged me to think critically about how change is made—both individually and collectively. The subject matter sparked my curiosity, pushing me to reflect on how I could implement more sustainable practices in my own life and in my community. While my time was limited, and I enjoyed the connections made with other participants. Hearing their stories, outlooks, and results they received was impactful.
One particularly impactful aspect of the workshop was my conversation with Sajjad. It was a genuine, thought-provoking dialogue that unexpectedly brought up memories I hadn’t revisited in years. The insights he discussed in his SFD about the challenges of cultural change resonated deeply with me. I found myself agreeing with his key points. I believe transforming a culture requires immense effort, connection, and persistence. While I regret not having had the chance to get to know him better, his perspective, and the story he shared about the Vermont mountain top, left a lasting impression—I would still love his mother’s yogurt recipe!
When Alexandra led me through the Spodek Method, I encountered another meaningful moment. While she received feedback about going off script by suggesting something I hadn’t mentioned, I found her approach refreshing and personal—she has a nice mixture of a warm smile and a professional approach—which isn’t always easy over zoom and on camera. Her observation that I may want to “Pause” felt insightful and affirming (I’ve been told this before). It made me feel seen and heard—something that, ironically, might not have been achieved by strictly adhering to a predefined structure. As a result, I’ve incorporated intentional pauses into my daily walks, a practice that has grounded me and enhanced my mindfulness. For this, I’m truly grateful.
Reflecting on the larger implications of the Spodek Method, I find myself pondering the psychology behind personal lasting change. While the Method provides a framework, I’m not convinced that a one-size-fits-all script can universally address the nuances of individual and cultural transformation. I understand Josh went through a systematic process to design the script; however, we all come to the table with unique biases, experiences, and levels of knowledge. To create meaningful change, I believe there needs to be a deeper connection between the facilitator and the participant, as well as sensitivity to cultural and belief-based differences. The language and approach must adapt to meet individuals where they are on their own journey.
Throughout the class, I kept pondering the complexities of what it takes to make culturally sustainable environmental changes. Plastic bag usage kept coming to mind—in the early 1970s, environmentalists began advocating for reusable bags. But in 1979—my high school graduation year—plastic bags were introduced in American grocery stores. While reusable bags saw slow and steady progress, by the 1990’s plastic bag usage had taken over and the sustainability hill was that much harder to climb. California’s landmark ban on single-use plastic bags in 2014 marked a turning point, but it underscores a vital truth: meaningful change requires a combination of grassroots activism, personal behavior changes, and policy intervention.
This interplay between individual action and systemic change is at the heart of sustainability. The Spodek Method has helped me see that scripts and frameworks can guide us, but I do believe that they must remain flexible to accommodate diverse perspectives and evolving circumstances. More importantly, lasting change is ultimately driven by a person’s current journey, shaped by their unique experiences and motivations. The Method sometimes felt like I was starting a conversation in the middle before making a deeper, more meaningful connection with the person.
The workshop challenged me to think critically about what it takes to drive change—whether in my own life or on a larger cultural scale. It reinforced the importance of connection, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the psychological and cultural factors that shape human behavior. I leave this experience:
• Reinforcing my belief that what we do to ourselves impacts the environment.
• Accepting my responsibility for the world in which we live.
• Cultivating a deep commitment to sustainability.
• Developing a clearer vision of how I can contribute to a more sustainable future for both myself and my community.