Gayle Schueller, the VP of Sustainability and Product Stewardship and Chief Sustainability Officer at 3M, knows that in order to ensure a sustainable future, we have to listen to science. 

Remember Scotchbrite? The iconic 3M green-and-yellow sponge just got a redesign — to be made out of completely recyclable fibers. It took "a lot of science," said Schueller, from minerals to adhesives to design. 

It's an example of how connecting sustainability and science can lead to product innovation. That can engage suppliers, consumers and employees.