Academic Portfolio
Where Systems Thinking and Sustainability Intersect.
Sustainability Philosophy
Transformative Eco-Social Justice Philosophy
My philosophy combines elements of sustainability, decolonization, equality, and the interconnectedness of all life. It calls for a radical rethinking of the ways in which human societies engage with the natural world, with each other, and with the systems that structure economic, social, and political life.
Core Principles
1. Interconnectedness of Humans and Nature
Humans are an inseparable part of nature. The illusion of separation is created by colonial, capitalist, and patriarchal systems. Natureculture represents the idea that culture and nature are co-constitutive and that human actions must reflect the understanding that we are inherently interconnected with all living beings and ecosystems. We do not dominate nature; we are part of its ongoing flow and transformation.
3. Economic and Social Decolonization
Seek to divest from exploitative systems, particularly capitalism and patriarch, that perpetuate inequality, oppression, and environmental destruction. Simultaneously seek to invest in local, regenerative, and cooperative economies. Economic systems must prioritize the well-being of people, ecosystems, and future generations over accumulation of short-term gain. Create economies based on mutual aid, solidarity, and care and transition from a growth-oriented, extractive model to one rooted in sustainability, equity, and reciprocity.
5. Egalitarian and Intersectional Justice
Seek to dismantle all systems of oppression, including patriarchy, racism, ableism, colonialism, and heteronormativity. This includes centering trans, queer, and feminist perspectives, which challenge rigid and harmful gender norms, promote reproductive justice, and ensure that marginalized voices are heard in all aspects of decision-making. Social justice is inherently intersectional, recognizing that struggles against oppression must be fought on multiple fronts - gender, race, class, ability, and sexuality - all of which intersect to form systems of power and domination.
Vision — A Transformative, Integrated World
The core of my philosophy is the belief that justice is relational. It involves healing the land, restoring communities, and reconnecting with the natural world, while simultaneously addressing historical and contemporary injustices in economic, political, and social spheres. My philosophy sees the future not as a linear path, but as a series of cycles of renewal that move us toward a more just, sustainable, and egalitarian world.
2. Relationality and Solidarity
There is a relational nature of existence. All beings, human and non-human, are in a constant state of interaction and interdependence. Social justice is tied to ecological justice, and local struggles for liberation must be seen in global contexts. Solidarity calls for the translation of local struggles into global movements, recognizing that environmental degradation, economic exploitation, gender-based violence, and colonialism are interconnected. The fight for justice is global, and the path to transformation is collective.
4. Ecological and Social Resilience
Nature-based solutions and regenerative practices are central to restoring ecosystems and communities. Seek the restoration of ecological balance through the stewardship of the land by local, Indigenous, and marginalized communities. Ecological restoration aligns with social renewal as communities must heal from historical trauma, reassert sovereignty, and create systems of care that prioritize justice, dignity, and respect for all forms of life.
6. Imagination of Possible Futures
My philosophy is about imaging and creating alternative futures that transcend the limitations imposed by oppressive systems. By reclaiming our imagination, we can break free from the cycles of destruction and exploitation. This includes dreaming of and working toward futures in which human beings live in harmony with each other and the planet, where power is decentralized, and where communities practice mutual aid, care, and justice. Visualize and create a world where equality, ecological restoration, and sustainable living are the norms rather than the exceptions.
My philosophy provides a framework for transformative action across all spheres of life, from economics to culture, governance, and beyond. It is an evolving vision, one that seeks to heal the Earth and its peoples from the wounds of colonialism, patriarchy, and exploitation. At its heart, my philosophy is an invitation to reimagine and rebuild a world based on interconnection, justice, care, and sustainability, where humans live in relationship with the Earth and with one another. It challenges us to divest from systems of harm and to invest in a future that is both radically just and ecologically regenerative.
Integrating sustainability and systems thinking into decision-making involves adopting a holistic approach that considers the long-term impacts of actions on the environment, society, and the economy. It requires an awareness of interconnections between different systems, whether ecological, economic, social, or political, and understanding how decisions in one area can affect others.
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Research Projects
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Collette Noll
Interior Design
Concept and creation of interior designer Collette Noll's website, with focus on her variety of client-forward services and recent successful collaborations
Systems Thinking Approach
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Using A Systems Thinking Approach To Solve A Problem
A systems approach involves analyzing the problem as part of a larger, interconnected system rather than addressing isolated issues. It focuses on understanding how various components of the system interact and how changes in one area can lead to broader impacts. Here’s how this approach could be applied to food waste in urban areas:
1. Identify the Key Stakeholders and System Components
● Consumers (households, restaurants, grocery stores)
● Food supply chain actors (farmers, distributors, food processors)
● Waste management systems (landfills, recycling centers, composting facilities)
● Government and policy makers (regulations and incentives)
● Environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, land use)
● Social aspects (food insecurity, food redistribution)
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2. Map Out the Flow of Food Waste
● Production and Harvesting
● Distribution
● Retail
● Consumption
● Disposal
3. Identify Leverage Points
● Consumer behavior: meal plan better, understand food labels, reduce waste
● Retail/Food Service Practices: modify ordering and display systems, strategize food donations/redistribution
● Food Recovery/Redistribution: collect surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants and redistribute to food banks or directly to those in need
● Technology Integration: use smart sensors or apps to monitor food waste, track expiration dates, use recipes based on available ingredients13
● Public Policy: encourage composting, improve waste management infrastructure, guideline for food labeling to avoid confusion about expiration dates
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4. Interventions and Strategies
● Consumer Education and Awareness: launch public awareness campaign to educate consumers about portion sizes, proper food storage, and how to compost food scraps
● Reducing Food Waste at Retail and Restaurants: implement dynamic pricing to sell almost expired food at discounted prices and encourage partnerships with local charities for surplus food donations
● Food Recovery Systems: create more efficient systems for redistributing food and use digital platforms to connect surplus food with charities
● Policy and Infrastructure Support: Enforce regulations that require businesses to donate surplus food and provide incentives for implementing food-saving measures or reduced environmental impact
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5. Evaluate and Iterate
After implementing these interventions, monitoring and feedback loops should be evaluated over time to understand which strategies are most effective in reducing food waste. New leverage points could emerge, or the system could adapt in unexpected ways.
This approach avoids focusing on just one part of the problem and instead looks at how different elements of the food system are interrelated. By targeting multiple areas, food waste can be reduced more effectively and sustainably. By using a systems approach, the problem of food waste is tackled comprehensively, considering the interactions between stakeholders, the flow of food, and the environmental impacts. Solutions are not isolated but instead interconnected, creating a more sustainable and resilient food system.