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[PROJECT DATABASE]: Sustainability Impact Projects By Harvard Students
Interested in launching a sustainability initiative but need ideas? Explore these existing projects founded by Harvard students.
Porte Global
May 27, 2025
If you are the founder of these initiatives, reach out to us through this form. We would love to interview you and learn about your story!
If you want personalized feedback on your extracurriculars, we are offering students limited 30-minute chats with a member of our Admissions team. In the call with you and your guardian, we will:
#1:“Laila’s Toolbox”
Founder Background
Ahmed is an Egyptian-American student who identifies as an activist-citizen. He is passionate about the intersection between health & sustainable research with the climate crisis through education.
His Story
- At six years old, experienced first hand the impacts of Hurricane Sandy on his family’s home
- Lived in Florida where he encountered the dangers of hurricane threats
- Sparked his passion surrounding sustainability and preserving the planet for the future
Project Description
Ahmed authored “Laila’s Toolbox” - a book sharing the themes of “climate change, health, and the empowerment of young voices.” The book centres around Laila and was dedicated to Ahmed’s grandmother who heavily impacted Ahmed’s understanding of social activism.
All proceeds of book sales were donated to organizations addressing climate change in Chad.
More Information
#2: Reverse Vending Machine
Project Description
Created by Abderrahman Braham, the project aims to encourage recycling to reduce plastic waste. The project particularly focuses on promoting sustainability in Tunisia.
Meet Abderrahman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braham-abe/
The project was a way to provide incentives for people to dispose “plastic bottles and metallic cans in exchange of money.”
Abderrahman focused particularly on developing the machine learning aspect of the device and also integrated sensors and hardware setup.
Strengths
- Really unique concept which subverts a very common device (a vending machine).
- Demonstrates Abderrahman’s technical skill and ability to create an impact beyond just a classroom project.
More Information
Abderrahman’s Linked-In (with more project information): https://www.linkedin.com/in/braham-abe/
#3: “Cycle Bags” - a company repurposing plastic bags.
Founder Background
Vedi Raval is an incoming Freshman at Harvard. She strives to use her “technical skills to do good in the world, particularly in the domains of education & environmental sustainability.” She aims to pursue computer science.
Project Description
Founded “Cycle Bags,” a company which repurposes old cloth into unique fashion bags to eliminate plastic bags. All sales from the bags were donated to Vedi’s local environmental sustainability club.
More Information
Vedi’s Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vedi-raval/
Student Resources
If you want personalized feedback on your extracurriculars, we are offering students limited 30-minute chats with a member of our Admissions team. In the call with you and your guardian, we will:
a) learn about your goals
b) assess your extracurriculars and
c) help you with a project idea & see if there is a fit with our program.
Sign up for a call here: Call Registration
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