Biography of Sanchali Pal: Founder and CEO of Commons -Entrepreneur
Sanchali Pal: A Journey Towards Sustainability
Sanchali Pal, the Founder and CEO of Commons, is deeply
committed to helping individuals reduce their carbon footprint. Her journey
towards creating Commons began with a personal mission to track and reduce her
own environmental impact. Inspired by the devastating effects of climate change
she witnessed in countries like Ethiopia, India, and the US, Sanchali spent
over a decade tracking her carbon footprint. She discovered that by adopting
mindful habits, she reduced her emissions by more than 30%. This realization
fueled her passion for creating a platform that empowers others to live more
sustainably.
The Birth of Commons
The idea for Commons emerged from Sanchali’s experience and
commitment to sustainability. While pursuing her MBA at Harvard Business
School, she developed the concept of an app that would help people make more
eco-friendly decisions in their everyday lives. The platform, initially called
“Joro,” focused on tracking food consumption and its climate impact. Over time,
this evolved into Commons, a comprehensive app aimed at helping individuals
understand their carbon footprint and make environmentally conscious decisions
through their spending habits.
The Power of Small Decision
Commons’ philosophy is rooted in the idea that small,
everyday choices can lead to big changes. The app empowers users to make
informed decisions that reduce their carbon footprint. By integrating practical
tools and rewards, Commons makes sustainable living not only achievable but
also rewarding. Sanchali believes that through collective action, individuals
can drive global change, and Commons provides the platform to make that
possible.
Rewards for Climate Action
One of the key features of Commons is its reward system,
which motivates users to make climate-friendly choices. Whether it’s shopping
secondhand, using public transport, or driving an electric vehicle, users earn
rewards for their sustainable actions. These rewards, such as “seeds” and
badges, can be redeemed for cash or carbon offsets, giving users tangible
incentives to embrace sustainable habits.
Supporting Trusted Green Brands
Sustainability can be tricky, especially with the rise of
greenwashing. Commons addresses this by curating a list of trustworthy,
eco-friendly brands across various sectors, from clothing to groceries. The app
helps users easily find and support companies that are genuinely committed to
reducing their environmental impact, simplifying sustainable shopping and
ensuring transparency for consumers.
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Personalized Sustainability Guidance
Commons goes beyond just tracking purchases and providing
rewards. It also offers personalized guidance to help users adopt more
sustainable practices in their everyday lives. The app provides actionable tips
on topics like sustainable banking, reducing laundry’s environmental impact,
and eating locally. These practical suggestions not only help users save money
but also support their broader sustainability goals.
Tracking and Reducing Carbon Footprints
At the heart of Commons is the Carbonizer, a proprietary
algorithm that tracks the carbon emissions associated with users’ purchases. By
analyzing transactions, the app gives users a clear picture of their
environmental impact, allowing them to make informed decisions. Commons also
provides progress tracking and tailored reduction tips, helping users align
their lifestyle with their sustainability objectives.
Offsetting Emissions That Can’t Be Avoided
For emissions that are unavoidable, Commons offers a carbon
offset program. This initiative allows users to invest in vetted climate
solutions, such as bio-oil storage, kelp farming, and mangrove restoration. Not
only do these projects help reduce global emissions, but they also support
local communities and ecosystems, creating a positive impact on both the
environment and society.
Commons’ Broader Vision
Sanchali Pal’s vision for Commons is to create a world where
individual actions, when combined, have a meaningful global impact. Through the
platform, she aims to empower people to make decisions that align with a
sustainable future. By making sustainability more accessible and rewarding,
Commons is helping users turn their everyday choices into powerful
contributions to combat the climate crisis.
An MBA at Harvard: The Turning Point
Sanchali’s journey towards founding Commons was shaped by
her time at Harvard Business School, where she pursued an MBA. During this
time, she honed her business skills and deepened her commitment to climate
action. It was also at Harvard that she refined the idea for Commons,
transitioning from a simple carbon-tracking app to a full-fledged platform that
could influence consumers to make sustainable choices on a global scale.
Sanchali's Early Inspirations
Sanchali Pal’s passion for climate action was sparked early
in her life. One significant moment came after watching the documentary
"Food, Inc.," which highlighted the environmental impacts of food
production. This film had a lasting effect on her, prompting her to track her
carbon footprint using a spreadsheet while still at Princeton University. This
early interest laid the foundation for the work she would do later, merging her
academic background with her desire to create meaningful environmental change.
A Vision to Tackle the Climate Crisis
Sanchali’s ultimate goal with Commons is to align everyday
consumer decisions with long-term sustainability goals. By focusing on
climate-conscious behavior, the app empowers users to reduce their
environmental impact while leading a more sustainable lifestyle. Commons is not
just an app, but a movement aimed at tackling the climate crisis through
collective action and individual responsibility.
Through her innovative approach and dedication to
sustainability, Sanchali Pal has created a platform that provides practical
tools for people to make more eco-conscious decisions. With Commons, she has
successfully turned the act of spending into an opportunity for climate action,
empowering users to contribute to a more sustainable world.
Timeline for story
Early 2000s: Sanchali tracks her carbon footprint, reducing
emissions by 30%.
2013: Inspired by climate change, Sanchali begins exploring
sustainability solutions.
2015: Sanchali develops the idea for Commons while pursuing
her MBA at Harvard Business School.
2018: Commons, initially "Joro," launches, focused
on tracking food consumption's climate impact.
2020: Commons evolves into a comprehensive app offering
personalized sustainability guidance and rewards.
2024: Commons empowers users to make sustainable choices,
offset emissions, and support green brands.
