The following article appeared in the Spring/Summer 2013 edition of the School of Public Health's "Interaction" Magazine.  For more, see the complete magazine.

There are a lot of synergies between public health and environmental sustainability, says Jennifer Anderson, MPH, SCSP '03.

“When I go the store and hear someone say they don’t need a bag because it is good for the environment, I think, I don’t need a bag because it is good for people,” said Anderson. “It is all connected.”

Anderson is co-founder and principal at Berwyn, PA based Resonate. She helps companies develop operational systems and innovations that reduce negative impacts on people and the environment. These strategies don’t just sound like a nice thing to do, they result in greater resilience and profitability for the company.

Anderson believes that anything companies can do to help the environment, such as improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, reduction of fossil fuels and improving access to potable water, helps people.

In fact, there is a triple bottom line effect.

For instance, if a company renovates a building and makes better use of natural light it is proven to improve productivity and happiness at the workplace. It also decreases energy use, which reduces the use of fossil fuels and pollution. Less energy use also reduces costs to the employer.

“Being sustainable means saving money, protecting the environment and helping others lead healthier lives,” said Anderson. “It’s important for companies to ask how it impacts employees and those in the communities it serves. It’s not just good citizenship, there is also a sound return on investment.”

Founding Resonate was not Anderson’s initial career goals. She spent nearly a decade in the financial services field. After some soul searching she decided public health was a more meaningful career path. She credits the SPH and its faculty for providing the resources and support to change her career.

Anderson started her career in the public health field after graduation with Mary Duden, MBA, an adjunct professor and member of the dean’s advisory council at the SPH. Together, founded an initial health services consulting business prior to Resonate.

It’s a career path that allowed Anderson to follow her heart. Her advice to students is to embrace whatever job you start with out of school, learn from it, and figure out what you can leverage to get you where you want to be.