Episode 91: Using AI for Sustainability and Building Profits for Businesses with Sheryl Barbosa

Digital Velocity

In Episode 91 of the Digital Velocity Podcast, Erik Martinez sits down with environmental scientist and sustainability expert Sheryl Barbosa to uncover how artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the next wave of sustainability for direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses. Sheryl brings more than 20 years of experience across industries and business sizes, from Fortune 50 corporations to local nonprofits, and offers a unique perspective on how technology and environmental responsibility can work together to create measurable impact. For DTC brands, these opportunities are vast and tangible. Erik and Sheryl discuss how AI can: • Improve targeting in direct mail campaigns to minimize waste while maximizing response rates. • Optimize packaging design, materials, and supply chain sourcing to cut down on excess materials and emissions. • Enhance logistics by identifying smarter routing patterns that reduce fuel consumption and shipping costs. • Forecast inventory needs more accurately, helping prevent losses from overproduction or spoilage. • Identify cost-effective green alternatives that are now often cheaper than traditional materials, overturning the myth that sustainability is always more expensive. Sheryl and Erik bring the conversation to life with real-world examples—from cutting down on direct mail waste to streamlining delivery routes—that illustrate how AI can drive both efficiency and sustainability. Their discussion shows how even small operational improvements can ripple outward, creating a positive impact not only for businesses but also for communities and the environment.

For leaders of direct-to-consumer brands, whether scaling a fast-growing ecommerce operation or running a locally rooted small business, the takeaway is clear: AI and sustainability are not competing goals but complementary strategies. When used intentionally, AI becomes a catalyst for reducing environmental impact, building brand trust, and unlocking new avenues of profitability—all while advancing a healthier, more sustainable future.