Online shopping is becoming more and more popular, and plastic based e-commerce packaging still dominates a large portion of the market. Most plastic is incapable of biodegrading, and even recyclable plastic is thrown away 90% of the time due to overcomplicated recycling policies. In this project, I study what users want from ecommerce packaging and work to design a solution that is better for users, businesses, and the environment as a whole.

Build. Learn. Repeat. The three core actions of Tanagons, a learning kit designed for the K-6 classroom in teaching kids about the "other Rs" of sustainability: repair, repurpose, and reimagine. By examining societal trends related to these new approaches to waste management, along with considerations of current K-6 curriculum guidelines and how to optimize learning while following them, Tanagons creates a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience of this complex topic in hopes of preparing children to be more conscious individuals in the mission for sustainability.

Given the lack of research regarding designing culturally relevant housing for the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe, this study aimed to identify and evaluate key architectural design approaches that support Sault Ste. Marie Native culture. Key research questions guided the theoretical framework of the study, as well as the analysis of the final results. The questions include “What architectural design strategies have been used in the design of contemporary Native American Architecture in which the communities have key similarities or cultural overlap with the Sault Ste. Marie Indians?”, “How effective are each of these strategies and approaches in supporting these cultures and community needs?”, and “What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of these strategies in the context of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ culture and needs?”. In-depth literature and historical reviews were conducted to provide design principles and a basis for a housing architectural guideline for the Sault Tribe. A survey approved by the Institutional Review Board and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians was then conducted to collect data on tribal members’ demographics, views on culturally relevant design, and level of agreement with the proposed guideline points. Key survey results showed that tribal members felt low levels of connection to the Sault Tribe and agreed that a design guideline was necessary for future tribal housing. Furthermore, the results of the survey showed a high level of agreement with the proposed principles relating to sustainability, spatial planning, and building technology. Results also showed tribal members’ disagreements with several of the proposed guideline points, which further supported the need for a tribal-specific architectural design guideline rather than one general to all tribes. Based on the survey results the proposed design points were then organized into a tribal-specific final design guideline. Housing designs for the Sault Tribe were then created using the guideline, within the context of a reservation site in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and the current needs of tribal members. The housing designs serve as visual examples of the applicability of the guideline. The survey data, final guideline, and design examples will be significant resources for developing the Sault Tribes' urban environment and promoting cultural practice and survivance. The research will also contribute to the body of knowledge relating to contemporary Indigenous architecture.