For the economic sphere credit, I took INTB5100: Special Topics in International Business. This was a course included in a Discover Abroad program that traveled to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji and covered sustainable business practices present in these nations.
One organization stuck out to me in particular. Lake Hawea Station located in New Zealand is one of the first climate positive farms in Australasia. One of their biggest goals is to sequester more carbon than they emit while also producing a sustainable product. One of their products is the durable wool from the merino sheep. Wool is a circular product that can be produced repeatedly without harming any sheep. It is extremely durable and can last for several years, contrasting fast fashion practices. In addition, they house four endangered plant species and over 300 species including 10 endemic and 8 native birds.
The initial assumption for many is that business and sustainability are mutually exclusive. However, this does not need to be the case. I have learned through this study abroad program and especially with Lake Hawea Station that a company focused on sustainability efforts can still be profitable. It was also inspiring that so many companies on this side of the globe are committed to fighting climate change.
They have rooms available for short-stays, so I highly recommend visiting overnight or for the day if you ever get the chance!
