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1st Place: "Harvest Market"

Sean Carrillo, Grecia Rodriguez, Kirin Nuno, Mylene Bonola

Harvest Market is a digital platform designed to connect local farmers with consumers, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing reliance on industrial farming. By increasing the visibility and accessibility of local farms, the project supports sustainability by reducing food miles, lowering carbon emissions, and fostering community-driven food networks.

Our research highlights the environmental and social costs of industrial agriculture, including excessive greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and the displacement of small farmers. Harvest Market addresses these issues by providing farmers with a direct-to-consumer sales channel, ensuring fair compensation while giving consumers access to fresher, more sustainable food options.

The platform utilizes eCommerce methods, geolocation services, and digital marketing strategies to support local food ecosystems. By streamlining transactions and promoting local produce, we empower small farmers and offer an alternative to environmentally harmful industrial supply chains.

Harvest Market also promotes climate justice by supporting small-scale farmers, many of whom belong to underserved communities. By prioritizing local, sustainable farms, the platform helps reduce environmental burdens and ensures equitable food access. Additionally, it fosters community engagement by educating consumers on the benefits of local agriculture, encouraging long-term shifts toward sustainable food consumption.

This initiative serves as both a practical solution and an educational tool, demonstrating how technology can drive local, climate-conscious economies.

Created for: POSC 401- Women in Western Political Thought

Taught by: Dr. Mary Caputi

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1st Place: "Project YELB! - The Path to Impact"

Gileen Navarro, Kathy Lin, Eugenie Chang, Edward Kim

YELB (Youth Engagement with Long Beach) focuses on urban sustainability, environmental awareness, and community inclusivity.

Our research revealed that passive environmental messaging often fails to capture public interest, especially among younger audiences. However, gamification and interactive storytelling significantly increase engagement.

Approach & Methods Supporting Sustainability & Climate Justice
•    AR Engagement: Encourages interaction with sustainability themes.
•    Soundscape Storytelling: Captures and remixes urban and natural sounds (ocean waves, public transit, local voices) to highlight the connection between the city and nature.
•    Community Involvement: Features local businesses and public spaces to promote sustainable practices and cultural inclusivity.

Strategies for Sustainability & Climate Justice Impact
•    Encourages zero-waste shopping habits.
•    Gamifies sustainability efforts, turning eco-friendly actions into rewarding experiences.
•    Encourages participants to share their experiences on social media, creating a ripple effect.
•    Builds a bridge between culture and climate awareness, showing how personal and collective actions contribute to a sustainable future.

Final Thought:
Sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a movement, and YELB is here to make it impossible to ignore. By blending technology, culture, and community action, we’re not just discussing a greener future—we’re building it, one interaction at a time. Long Beach’s beauty doesn’t stop at the shore; it flows through every street, every story, and every person willing to take action. The question isn’t whether change is possible—it’s whether we’re ready to step up and make it happen. And with YELB, we’re proving that the answer is yes. 

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Created for: DESN 585- Human Experience and Social Design Seminar

Taught by: Heather Barker & Krai Charuwatsuntorn

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Honorable Mention: "Bridging Cultures through Fashion Upcycling and Mechanical Recycling"

Omar Morgan

Initially driven by a desire to create something unique while integrating sustainability principles, this project evolved into an in-depth exploration of methods to reduce the fashion industry's ecological impact. It examines sustainability through deconstruction, upcycling, and textile recycling, which minimize waste and extend garment lifecycles.

Deconstruction reimagines existing garments through dismantling and reconstruction, while upcycling transforms unwanted clothing into higher-value designs without breaking down materials. Textile recycling recovers fibers, yarns, or fabrics, reprocessing them into new, functional products. Together, these methods reduce reliance on virgin materials, lower carbon footprints, and decrease chemical usage. By promoting circularity, they redirect textile waste from landfills and foster a more environmentally responsible industry. However, sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns, it is also a matter of social justice.

As designers, our impact extends beyond creating garments. We have the power to shape industry standards. We can develop products and environments that balance social, economic, and environmental considerations by embracing sustainable design and practices. Supporting sustainability means advocating for climate justice through resource conservation, fair labor, and ethical production, ultimately driving a more responsible and equitable future.

Furthermore, collaborating with donation-based organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army can further inspire community action through sustainable practices. Workshops, fashion challenges, and swap events foster creativity and promote waste reduction, while storytelling and collaborations with local businesses, schools, and designers enhance awareness and engagement. By adopting these strategies, the sustainable methods in this project transform discarded textiles into valuable resources, driving a circular and responsible fashion industry.

 

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1st Place:"Heal the Bay - Interrupted Ecosystems"

Abby Kottke

Due to poor management and lack of legislation, parts that the Los Angeles River runs through have created unsafe living conditions for native plants and animals. This documentary focuses on how the Non-Profit Heal the Bay tracks the river's health and works to protect it. One of the major findings done by the Heal the Bay team found that their lower river sites failed all tests to meet healthy standards for conditions of water. With the lack of environmental regulation, companies have taken advantage of the water source, using it as a dumping ground for chemical runoff and other forms of pollution. 
   

Heal the Bay - Interrupted Ecosystems reveals the harmful effects humans have had on the Los Angeles River and how those who call it home have had to adopt to an environment manufactured by humans. The documentary focuses on the birds of the Los Angeles River, showcasing that by improving water quality, it restores natural wildlife. The areas with the worst water quality can be found in low-income communities with a lack of pre-established green. By improving the quality of the river, it offers more spaces for recreation. 
 

Heal the Bay - Interrupted Ecosystems demonstrates how humans have degraded the Los Angeles River’s ecosystem. Such decisions have led to the decline in water quality and native wildlife. With the conservation efforts of Heal the Bay, they aim to improve and track the quality of the water in order to protect the most vulnerable species. 

 

 

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Honorable Mention: Brain of an "Environmentalist" 

Jillian Garcia

This will be a zine-style booklet that explores what it’s like to be a self-proclaimed environmentalist navigating everyday life. It will examine the challenges of choosing the most sustainable path while facing daily dilemmas and decisions. While many strive to live sustainably, real-world obstacles like limited options and financial constraints often make it difficult.

Through educational examples, the zine will highlight how, even with the best intentions, sustainable living is challenging due to consumer culture, accessibility, and systemic barriers. Many systems prioritize convenience over sustainability, making the "right" choice difficult.

Topics covered will include unavoidable single-use plastics, pollution, recycling inefficiencies, corporate environmental footprints, product life cycles, food waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation’s impact. It will also explore the guilt and pressure of trying to be environmentally responsible in a world where truly sustainable choices aren’t always available.

This zine will be an art-filled (featuring photography), easily digestible, and relatable statement on sustainability. The goal is to inform and reassure individuals that while perfect sustainability is difficult, every effort counts. Even small, imperfect actions contribute to change. In a world where sustainability can feel out of reach, trying your best still makes a meaningful difference.

Created for: SUST 602 & 608- Sustainability Science & Benefit Cost Analysis

Taught by: Dr. David Pepper & Rosa Gonzalez

Honorable Mention: "Why Over Consume"

Kaitlyn Pham

Why Over consume is not just a website, it's an eye-opening journey into the world of overconsumption. This dynamic and interactive platform captivates users with its compelling narrative on the detrimental effects of our consumer habits. Through engaging content and thought-provoking interactions, it invites users to critically evaluate their lifestyle choices and understand the profound impact on waste, resources, and climate change. Embark on this transformative exploration and challenge yourself to make a positive change at WhyOverconsume.xyz.

Created for: ART 499- Graphic Design Special Studies 

Taught by: Tanya Cummings

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1st Place: "Importance of Green Spaces in Long Beach"

Angelica Cruz

This project aims to highlight environmental racism in Long Beach, CA and the importance of equitable access to greenspaces by exploring the intersecting relationship between historical redlining, Urban Heat Island effect (UHI), and disproportionate vegetation levels in marginalized and under-resourced communities. By 2050, more than 68% of the global population will live in cities. Long Beach is the second largest city in Los Angeles County and the seventh largest city in California with a population of over 458,800 residents. Urban areas with a higher concentration and density of structures, paved infrastructure, human related activities, and lack of greenspaces contribute to increased temperatures that create UHI. Greenspaces in cities mitigate the effects of pollution and can reduce the UHI effect emphasizing the importance of increasing green infrastructure while also addressing environmental justice and equity. Green infrastructure enhances community safety and quality of life, and can be done at the local level by planting trees, restoring native habitats and wetlands. We can use the natural world to make urban environments healthier and more livable. Greenspaces are vital for urban ecosystems, promoting sustainable and healthy city development. Recognizing the intersectional relationship between greenspace inequity, environmental issues, poor health, and the socioeconomic disadvantages of marginalized communities opens the conversation of social inequity and health disparities to groups that are historically excluded from the decision and policy making process. Investing in the community’s well-being is just as important as preserving the natural environment, as the loss of human potential is detrimental to the planet.

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Honorable Mention: "Rewilding ɫ��ɫ: The Future of Sustainable Land Management"

Alicia Newland, Marlene Rosales, Moises De La Torre, Vani Tyagi

The Rewild ɫ��ɫ Team strives to enhance campus climate resilience by reintroducing California native plants, promoting sustainability and climate justice. Native plants are adapted to California's climate, they are drought tolerant, support local wildlife habitats, and eliminate the need for synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The 2024 Organic Pilot Project tested these methods, revealing significant water savings and low maintenance, requiring only monthly weed removal. The project included site research and student surveys, and received strong support from the campus community. Through preparation of the site, removal of invasive English Ivy, and the installation of 40 native species, the project assessed managing spaces without pesticides. The deep root systems of native plants help sequester carbon and support biodiversity, improving soil health and reducing the need for harmful chemicals. This approach also eliminates the need for using gas-powered landscape equipment and synthetic fertilizers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Through collaboration with campus organizations and events, the team will inspire broader community action and promote the benefits of native landscapes for a more sustainable and climate-resilient campus.

 

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1st Place: "Protect our mature and old-growth forests"

Xiao Lei Samantha Seo

Mature and old-growth forests pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store in the trunk, branches, leaves, roots, and soil while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Older and larger trees store a significantly higher portion of the total above-ground carbon compared to their younger counterparts. Therefore, protecting mature and old-growth forests is our greatest natural climate solution. They are threatened by logging for forest biomass and wood pellet production. Removing them would worsen the devastating climate events, which have been disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Safeguarding them can shield us from extreme weather, flooding, drought, and wildfires as they will create pathways to climate resilience in vulnerable communities. In this project, I will debunk myths about burning forest biomass for bioenergy as a type of clean energy and how the logging industry is greenwashing people into believing that it is a climate solution. I will also explore different ways citizens can advocate for mature and old-growth forests, and what policy framework government agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service should develop to defend this ecosystem and the vulnerable. 

Created for: SUST 602 & 608- Sustainability Science & Benefit Cost Analysis

Taught by: Dr. David Pepper & Rosa Gonzalez

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Honorable Mention: "Cultivating Consciousness: Exploring Student Climate Literacy at ɫ��ɫ"

Emily Fitzpatrick

Understanding of sustainability concepts is crucial in our current age, as our society begins to truly grapple with climate change adaptation and mitigation. The importance of sustainability literacy is especially true for college students, as developing a climate-concious lens in university can facilitate the prioritization of sustainability throughout professional life. The ɫ��ɫ Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) recognizes the need to increase student sustainability and climate literacy on campus, and such a goal requires developing a baseline understanding of student literacy. 
Apart from informing the President’s Commission on Sustainability on how to proceed in promoting student knowledge, this information also offers valuable insight into the general knowledge of college students on sustainability and climate issues. Analyzing the responses of 371 students to the 2024 Sustainability Literacy Assessment survey indicated that the majority of respondents felt they were familiar with sustainability. This is a fair assessment, as most students had correct foundational knowledge relating to climate, greenhouse gases, and global warming. However, students were found to have limited knowledge on zero waste principles, the many factors relating to water scarcity, and the distinction between climate justice and intersectional environmentalism. The results indicate that generally speaking, students have a solid foundation to learn about more complex sustainability topics as they are presented in the curriculum. Integration of sustainability and climate change issues across disciplines is an additional goal of the ɫ��ɫ CAAP, and these results are a promising sign that such efforts could facilitate a deeper understanding of sustainability.

 

 

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Honorable Mention: "From Gray to Green: Biophilic Designs for the Present"

Coryn Bray

Stretching 51 miles from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach the Los Angeles River has transitioned from a free-flowing waterway to a concrete-heavy flood control measure. Nearly 80% of this waterway has been paved and most public access to this river has been suspended. Organizations such as La River Arts and Friends of the LA River recognize how “park-poor” communities alongside this river are disproportionately affected by climate change. Additionally, if access to this river and other green spaces is improved in these neighborhoods this river has the potential to serve as a natural climate resilience tool. This project explores how improved access to the river and green spaces can enhance climate resilience, with a focus on Long Beach. Through researching human-centered and green architectural design as well as visiting disadvantaged communities within the study area this project proposes to reintegrate biophilic elements into the urban landscape. The visual art component features black-and-white painted scenes of West Long Beach near the river, which community members will enhance with color during local events, illustrating their vision for greener spaces. Focus groups will further assess public perceptions of green space accessibility and provide education on sustainable urban design. Through traditional research and participatory art, this project communicates how human-centered design and green infrastructure can be implemented locally to improve community health.
The poster showcased will describe my project in terms of work completed and future steps, and explain environmental justice in the LA River area using research and statistics.

Created for: UHP 496B- Research Participation Honors II

Taught by: Dr. Caitlin Fouratt

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Honorable Mention: "Sustainable Management of Indigenous Lands"

Libby Adriaansen, Mack Andersen, Carissa Peterson, Vianne Ortega, Anahi Vargas

The sustainable management of indigenous lands is a critical issue that has often been overlooked or undermined, particularly in the context of the United States. Indigenous communities have long practiced environmentally sustainable methods of land stewardship, rooted in their deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological knowledge. Some of these sustainable practices include cultural/prescribed burns, agroforestry, traditional water management, sacred land conservation, and more. However, these practices have been marginalized and disregarded, mainly due to colonialism, federal policies, and systemic inequalities that have disempowered indigenous peoples. This marginalization is not only an issue of environmental degradation but also one of gender, as indigenous women have been historically excluded from leadership roles in environmental justice movements. The lack of recognition and representation of indigenous women in land management perpetuates the cycle of environmental injustice. Our project will explore the intersection of indigenous land stewardship, environmental justice, and gender equity by highlighting the role of indigenous women in sustainable land management. Through research, community engagement, and advocacy, we will examine how colonialism and systemic inequalities have marginalized indigenous ecological knowledge and excluded indigenous women from leadership in environmental movements. By amplifying their voices and showcasing their contributions, our project aims to promote policies and practices that support indigenous-led sustainability efforts while addressing the gender disparities that persist in environmental justice. Additionally, we will provide actionable ways for our community to acknowledge indigenous land stewardship and advocate for the return of land to indigenous communities, ensuring that we can learn from their sustainable caretaking practices.

Created for: WGSS 424- Gendering Environmental Justice

Taught by: Dr. Lori Baralt

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1st Place: "Low-Frequency Sound Fire Extinguisher"

Robert De Los Santos, Terence Joseph Reyes, Marvin Campos Real, Isaac Vazquez

Wildfires in California have become increasingly destructive, worsened by water shortages that limit traditional fire suppression methods. This project explores an innovative Low-Frequency Sound Fire Extinguisher (LFSFE) as a sustainable, water-free alternative. By using acoustic waves (30Hz–70Hz) to disrupt combustion, LFSFE provides an eco-friendly solution to early-stage fire suppression, reducing reliance on water and chemical retardants that can contribute to environmental degradation. LFSFE integrates principles of sustainability by addressing resource conservation and reducing emissions from fire damage. Water-intensive firefighting methods strain existing supplies, while chemical retardants introduce pollutants into ecosystems. LFSFE minimizes these impacts, promoting a cleaner approach to fire control. Key objectives include portability, ease of use, and effective fire suppression through precise acoustic energy delivery. Testing will validate the prototype’s ability to extinguish small-scale fires, such as candle flame and oil-based fires.

The methodology follows a structured engineering process, incorporating power-efficient components, precise frequency control, and compliance with ANSI and OSHA safety standards. The device's reliance on electrical power rather than water or hazardous chemicals supports sustainability and climate resilience by preserving natural resources and reducing toxic runoff. Beyond sustainability, LFSFE also addresses climate justice concerns by offering a potential fire mitigation strategy for underserved communities, where firefighting resources may be limited. By providing an accessible, cost-effective solution, this project aligns with environmental equity and encourages proactive fire risk management.

Created for: EE 400D- Electrical Engineering Design Project

Taught by: Dr. Saleh Al Jufout & Christopher Hirunthanakorn

 

 

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Honorable Mention: "Dual Axis Solar Panel Tracking System"

Raul Martinez and Jason Velazquez

The project aims to develop a dual-axis solar tracking system to optimize solar energy capture. By continuously aligning the photovoltaic panel with the sun's trajectory, the system maximizes energy absorption, facilitating efficient battery charging with integrated overcharge protection and real-time power consumption monitoring. Photoresistors sense sunlight intensity, and servo motors adjust the panel's orientation for peak solar irradiance. An Arduino microcontroller processes light-dependent resistor (LDR) data to drive the servo motors for precise dual-axis tracking. Additionally, the Arduino controls a linear motion mechanism to automatically relocate the system when shaded. The system includes a manual override, allowing users to adjust the linear actuator's position using an integrated joystick. A dedicated charge controller manages the energy harvested by the solar panel to ensure safe and efficient battery storage. A display module provides real-time power output indication. Overcharge prevention is implemented through a voltage regulation circuit that disconnects the battery at its fully charged state. To enable system initialization from a fully discharged battery, an external power source with subsequent voltage regulation allows the system to become self-sustaining using the panel's generated power. This feature ensures continuous operation and portability, with the system weighing less than 30 lbs. The project enhances solar energy utilization, increases battery longevity, and provides a reliable power source with real-time performance feedback, making it valuable for sustainable energy solutions.

Created for: EE 400D- Electrical Engineering Design Project

Taught by: Dr. Saleh Al Jufout & Christopher Hirunthanakorn

 

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