We start with one simple question: is there something special or unique about a sustainability mindset that provides us better insights and tools for solving long-term or systemic problems? In this hands-on class we first start by challenging the traditional methods for making decisions, recognizing some typical thinking “blunders” that result in non-sustainable outcomes. We then explore several conceptual tools that can help us overcome these mistakes. We pay specific attention to building new skills associated with sustainability, like systems thinking, futures thinking, strategic thinking, values thinking, and complex problem solving. We then test out these mental tools by utilizing our campus as a “living laboratory” for developing and implementing several behavioral interventions to assess the effectiveness of different approaches. This is a flipped classroom – using online learning modules in place of lectures – with class time dedicated to theme based discussions and group exercises.