Alexander Calhoun
My AI Training
Sustainably
Organization Facts
Sustainably is an environmental technology company focused on eliminating plastic film waste from commercial supply chains.
The organization provides businesses with recycling equipment, logistics, and real-time reporting to simplify plastic film recycling.
Its mission is to build zero-waste logistics by making recycling convenient, affordable, and scalable for warehouses, manufacturers, retailers, and distribution centers.
By combining technology, operational expertise, and sustainability solutions, Sustainably helps organizations reduce waste, lower costs, and improve environmental performance.
Sustainably
About the Organization
Sustainably is dedicated to helping businesses create more sustainable operations by providing efficient plastic film recycling solutions.
Through customized recycling programs, equipment installation, automated pickup services, and sustainability reporting, the organization enables companies to reduce landfill waste while improving operational efficiency. Sustainably also uses technology to optimize recycling logistics, lower waste management costs, and provide transparent environmental data.
By making recycling simple and cost-effective, the organization supports businesses in achieving long-term sustainability goals while contributing to a cleaner and more circular economy.
Sustainably
Community Involvement
Sustainably works closely with warehouses, manufacturers, retailers, airports, cargo operators, and distribution centers to integrate recycling into daily operations. The organization trains employees, installs equipment, and collaborates with operational teams to maximize recycling participation.
The company partners with equipment manufacturers, logistics providers, and commercial facilities to expand plastic film recycling throughout supply chains. These collaborations improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
Through ongoing customer support, automated reporting, and continuous process improvements, Sustainably helps organizations build long-term recycling programs that strengthen sustainability across their operations.
Sustainably
Funding Source
Sustainably generates revenue by providing commercial recycling services, equipment rentals, logistics support, and waste management solutions for businesses seeking to improve sustainability.
The organization works with commercial clients across multiple industries that invest in recycling equipment, pickup services, and technology-driven sustainability reporting to improve environmental performance.
Revenue supports continued investment in recycling infrastructure, logistics technology, equipment maintenance, customer support, and the expansion of zero waste recycling programs throughout commercial supply chains.
My AI Proposal
Throughout the AI & Business Strategy Internship, I worked closely with Sustainably to understand its business model, goals, current operations, and opportunities for growth. Alongside Dr. Daniel Spar, I learned the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and explored how emerging AI technologies can be strategically applied to address real-world business challenges, including marketing, supply chain, management, logistical planning, and more.
Throughout the week, my team approached Sustainably as business consultants, analyzing its existing processes, identifying operational vulnerabilities, and evaluating areas where artificial intelligence could create meaningful value. We considered the organization’s specific needs and researched potential AI applications that could improve efficiency, strengthen operations, support customers, and contribute to long-term growth.
Using our research and analysis, my team developed a comprehensive AI business proposal tailored specifically to Sustainably. Our recommendations outlined practical strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into the organization while considering implementation, potential risks, and legal frameworks. The final proposal, shown alongside this description, represents the culmination of our week-long consulting process and demonstrates how AI can be applied strategically to solve real business challenges.
My AI Proposal Presentation
During the AI & Business Strategy Internship, I worked with Dr. Daniel Spar to learn about the basics of artificial intelligence and the potential business applications it possesses.
Throughout the week, I worked with an organization named Sustainably to develop AI solutions to support their business growth and operations. I worked with my team to analyze the opportunities for growth as well as their current vulnerabilities.
At the end of the week, I presented my AI proposal to Dr. Spar and the LI Grant Committee, and I received grant money to implement the solution.
Internship Highlights
During my internship, I participated in a series of hands-on labs that allowed me to apply advanced AI tools and techniques to develop solutions aimed at optimizing business strategy, customer service, and cybersecurity.
These labs were designed to replicate real-world scenarios, enabling me to create applicable solutions to complex problems. Through this immersive experience, I fostered proficiencies in programming languages, communication tool creation, customer service segmentation, machine learning, supply chain management, and anomaly detection.
Each session required attention to detail and the effective use of collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability to learn in a fast-paced environment. This invaluable experience allowed me to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible solutions. This experience not only deepened my understanding of artificial intelligence but also reinforced my commitment to pursue this career path.
During my internship, I gained valuable insight into the world of AI consultation through lectures and discussions with Dr. Dan Spar of Deloitte. His expertise provided a comprehensive understanding of the applications of AI across industries to solve complex business challenges.
Dr. Spar outlined the consulting process, emphasizing the identification of client needs to design AI-driven solutions that improve efficiency, decision-making, and long-term strategy. We also explored real-world case studies where AI was implemented in operations, marketing, and cybersecurity, illuminating the impact consultation can make on organizational success.
Through these sessions, I not only deepened my knowledge of AI’s practical applications but also learned how consultants bridge the gap between technical capabilities and client goals. This experience strengthened my ability to think critically about technology in a professional context and sparked my interest in pursuing AI-driven problem-solving in future endeavors.
The increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence has led to concerns regarding the harm versus benefits of its applications. We received specific briefings and dedicated research time to outline the ethical and legal considerations for AI’s integration into business development and operations.
Participating in these advanced lectures and in-depth discussions highlighted concerns regarding the cost, human and environmental impacts, and regulatory challenges associated with AI’s integration into business practices.
We also learned that despite these challenges, AI has allowed us to optimize supply chain management, digital market forecasting, talent acquisition, and customer security. Understanding how AI can positively impact a business, and subsequently the people and communities it serves, has fortified my desire to improve AI’s capabilities and applications.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to apply my training in AI consulting by working directly with small business partners in Washington, D.C. Meeting with Sustainably allowed me to gain a clear understanding of their goals, challenges, and long-term vision, giving me the chance to explore how artificial intelligence could provide meaningful solutions.
Working alongside their leadership, I developed tailored recommendations on how AI tools could streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer engagement. This included analyzing areas where automation could reduce inefficiencies, identifying opportunities for predictive analytics, and suggesting ways to incorporate AI-driven marketing strategies.
Through this hands-on consulting experience, I not only strengthened my ability to assess client needs and translate them into actionable strategies but also learned the importance of aligning AI solutions with each business’s unique context. By applying these skills, I was able to deliver practical recommendations that could support Sustainably in reaching its goals and preparing for long-term success in an increasingly data-driven economy.