So often, when we try to solve a problem, we focus on what we can add. Let’s say you're moving to a smaller space. Your first thought might be to research shelving or rent a storage unit.

But what if, instead, you subtracted? What if you thought about what you’d sell, donate, or just throw out? 

That’s the question Leidy Klotz answers in his book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. It’s a topic he was inspired to pursue while building a bridge of Legos with his son. Faced with a design challenge, Leidy chose to add Legos, while his son subtracted. That simple action – a highly counterintuitive one – set Leidy on the path to writing this book. It’s since become a lesson he’s working to apply to all kinds of problems, like climate change and sustainability.

An Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Virginia, Leidy studies the overlap between engineering and behavioral science, all in service of more sustainable systems. He’s worked with the Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, the National Institutes of Health, the World Bank, and ideas42.

Episode Links

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

Subtract: Why Getting to Less Can Mean Thinking More

Why Do Engineers and Behavioral Scientists Have to Learn from Each Other?

Using Behavioral Science to Redesign the Built Environment

Strider Bike

Hazel Rose Marcus

Michele Gelfand

Pocket Park

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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