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🤔 What’s the deal with Circular Stories?

💚 The Earth is in serious need of some TLC. We’ve got plastic piling up like laundry after vacation, resources vanishing faster than your phone’s battery, and, yep—climate change throwing tantrums with floods, heatwaves, and wildfires. It’s like a soap opera, but with way more trash. So, what’s the fix? Recycling? Sure. Innovation? Definitely. But let’s not forget the secret weapon—storytelling.

♻️ On our 32nd Issue we published back in May, we broadcasted the Circular Stories Programme, which essentially invited individuals between the ages of 18-25 in Southeast Asia to a two-part online course, to discover the principles of the circular economy and master the art of storytelling to amplify local voices of change and inspire others to join the movement. They will then have the opportunity to enter in a competition either individually or as a team to submit their own idea for a Circular Story with winning submissions securing an immersive mentoring workshop with Industry Experts and more!

🔫 It was a hit, and we saw so many impactful stories come through! Young changemakers become the heroes, crafting tales about how local communities are turning waste into wonder.

Why Storytelling? Because People Love a Good Tale

🎤 Not everyone with bright, impactful ideas always have the platform to make their difference, and that’s where the Circular Stories Programme comes in, handing the mic to everyday innovators so they can share their epic tales of sustainability.

The Challenge: Giving Local Legends the Spotlight

📣 Traditional media tends to overlook the small-but-mighty efforts happening in local communities. That’s a big miss because these grassroots changemakers are the ones doing the heavy lifting when it comes to sustainability. The Circular Stories Programme was designed to fix that and give these eco-geniuses their well-deserved platform to share their stories.

🎯 The mission? Inspire, educate, and entertain by showing off the coolest circular economy solutions happening in backyards, basements, and community centers everywhere.

Their Game Plan: Webinars, Workshops, and Wisdom

💡 The three W’s—every great story needs a little coaching, and the Circular Stories Programme isn’t about throwing these young changemakers in the deep end. It kicks off with a series of lively, interactive webinars designed to help participants become storytelling pros. These aren’t your boring, click-through-slide-deck webinars either. Think engaging, eye-opening sessions that cover:

• Discovering Circularity: What is circular economy exactly? Spoiler alert: It’s not just recycling on steroids. Participants explored how communities can create sustainable systems by rethinking how we use materials, tap into local culture, and get creative.

• Crafting Your Story: Time to unleash those inner storytellers! Participants learned what makes a story stick. Pro tip: It’s not just about facts and figures—it’s about heart, drama, and a touch of magic.

🌟 And it wouldn’t be complete without some celebrity guest appearances. Environmental storytellers like Dev Albao and Lillygol Sedaghat dropped by to spill their secrets on how to turn a good story into a mind-blowing, share-it-with-everyone-you-know masterpiece.

The Big Moment: Pitching for Planet Earth

🎞️ After the workshops, it was showtime. Participants submitted their best story ideas, and the competition was fierce. From blogs and documentaries to storybooks and investigative articles, these pitches were as diverse as they were brilliant. In the end, five finalists emerged as the shining stars of the sustainability scene.

Level-Up Time: Coaching and Story Makeovers

🤩 The lucky finalists didn’t just get a recognition; they got access to some serious one-on-one coaching, helping them polish their stories into absolute gems with narrative glow-ups. With expert guidance, these storytellers learned how to craft their tales with clarity, emotion, and a sprinkle of wow factor, ensuring their stories would resonate with audiences far and wide.

Stories That Matter: Local Solutions with Global Impact

💥 So, what kind of stories came out of this? The kind that make you go, “Why didn’t I think of that?” These weren’t just nice little tales about recycling or saving a few trees—they were powerful narratives about real solutions making a real difference in small communities.

🤝 From turning discarded materials into community resources to creating new business models that embrace sustainability, these stories showcased the magic that happens when people put their heads—and hearts—together. And the best part? These local solutions are totally scalable, proving that small actions really can lead to big change.

Why Bother? Because the World Needs Some Good News

❤️‍🔥 Let’s be honest: the news is a bit of a downer these days. But the Circular Stories Programme is flipping that script by sharing stories that inspire hope, spark curiosity, and make people want to take action.

👑 It’s not just about making people feel warm and fuzzy (although that’s a nice bonus). It’s about showing that sustainability isn’t some impossible dream—it’s happening right now, all over the world, in big ways and small ones. And through the power of storytelling, these local heroes are sparking a movement that’s impossible to ignore.

Join the Fun: Are You the Next Great Storyteller?

🌏 So, what’s the takeaway? Simple: stories have the power to change the world. The Circular Stories Programme isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement, and it’s inviting you to be part of the adventure. Whether you’re a budding storyteller, an eco-warrior, or just someone who loves a good tale, there’s always room for more!

🦋 At Climate starts with SEA, we believe that every contribution, no matter how small, helps make our planet a better place to call home. Here we have put together the stories that were shared by Circular Stories Asia that will inspire you to make an impact in your own communities! Continue to read further for an exclusive interview with CSA’s Director, Suzanna Pomeroy, as she shares on the inspiration behind the initiative of this programme!

🗞️ Recent Stories by Circular Cities Asia

📢 Shout-out to Circular Cities Asia!

📚 Circular Cities Asia (CCA) is a social enterprise with a mission to build a community that accelerates circular economy innovation across Asia. They educate youth in Asia on the key aspects of a circular economy – such as circular design and innovation. Their hands-on, experiential opportunities empower the next generation to approach waste challenges as an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial ventures and initiatives that benefit their local communities and ecosystems.

🎙️ Interview with Suzanna of Circular Cities Asia

💡 Why were you initially inspired to focus on the Circular Cities Asia initiative? 

🎓 We started by testing the idea of creating circular economy startups on university campuses, and the response was overwhelming—2,000 students from seven countries joined our first program. That momentum inspired us to keep focusing on filling the education gap in the circular economy and to support young changemakers in building ventures that benefit their communities.

🔈 This year, we launched the Circular Stories Programme to amplify the voices of young innovators. By sharing their stories, we aim to spread awareness and inspire others to choose a circular future. 

🛠️ How exactly is Circular Cities Asia solving it through storytelling?

🔨 Circular Cities Asia tackles climate challenges by making the circular economy accessible and practical. We develop tools and programs to simplify complex concepts and provide real-life examples of grassroots circular design.

🥅 Our goal is to inspire individuals and organizations to take action by kick starting their circular solutions and sharing the stories of local innovators solving pressing environmental problems.

😲 What is a misconception about impact in the younger generation that you think deserves more attention?

💪🏼 Many believe today’s complex systems are too entrenched for young people to disrupt. At Circular Cities Asia, we empower youth to see environmental challenges not as obstacles, but as entrepreneurial opportunities to drive change. 

🎬 What actions can readers take now to support your Circular Cities Asia?

⚖️ We’re closing the circular economy education gap and inspiring local solutions to environmental waste challenges. Corporates, funders, impact organisations, and academics can all play a role in scaling this mission. Right now, we’re looking for sponsors for our 2025 programs—join us!

🦸🏻 What do you do when you’re not saving the world?

📦 Alongside Circular Cities Asia, I work at The Better Packaging Co., a regenerative packaging company creating positive impacts for people and the planet. I also have a busy young family, which keeps life exciting and full!

❓ Did you enjoy this week’s issue? If yes, please do forward to your friends who would enjoy the read as well.

📧 Also, feel free to let us know what you thought by giving us feedback at [email protected].

🌊 SEA you next time!

Karina & Massimiliano