What If We Actually Get It Right?

Last Saturday, I went to a Climate Dance Party to celebrate the release of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s newest book What if We Get It Right?

And, in terms of events, this one was pretty perfect. Dancing, sustainability, AND a costume party. Say less.

I’ve often joked that I only have three personality traits which are musical theatre, sustainability, and Nancy Drew (or just cozy mysteries / puzzles in general). If we were looking at a Venn Diagram of me… it might look like this.

And, as you can see, the event was a near perfect crossover. The only thing that could’ve possibly made it better is if the event somehow turned into a whodunnit. I’ve started writing murder mystery party games in my spare time so, theoretically, I could write this - but I digress.

The dress code for the event was ‘Climate Solutions’, and I had a really fun time trying to come up with costumes for the event. I wound up with 5 and put it to a poll on my IG.

The winner was solar, and I was one of many solar panels at the event! But, my other costumes are definitely worth a gander. While Wind Power would have been highly impractical to dance in, she was stunning.

The dress code was inspired by the book which is centered around climate solutions, collective action, imagination, and creating a future people actually want to live in. Instead of focusing exclusively on catastrophe, the book asks a super important and often overlooked question: what happens if we get it right?

The media has done a wonderful job portraying post-apocalyptic worlds where everything goes wrong… but how often do we get to see thriving futures?

I often think about how beautiful things could be. When I close my eyes, I imagine tons green space, localized community gardens, efficient public transit, bike lanes, 15-minute walkable and livable cities, solar on every rooftop, and so much more. (Maybe I should write a little short story about what I think things could look like.)

So alongside the hope and dreams, costumes and dancing - there was one more prominent feature of the night - the climate venn diagram.

The framework asks three simple questions:
What are you good at?
What brings you joy?
What does the world need?

The overlap is the perfect place for you to get involved!

For me, I think I’m good at telling stories in creative way thanks to my background in musical theatre. I’ve always loved photography, videography, costuming, and world building. And I think these messages deserve to be heard far and wide!

So, how fun is it, that we’re meeting in the middle of my Climate Venn Diagram with this very newsletter. (…You know, at least until I finally write that Nancy Drew sustainability musical - she is in the public domain now… so…. don’t tempt me with a good time)

Featured Posts:
Here are some posts from the blog this week! goingzerowaste.com

📌 How to Get Involved with Local Government
Want to make change beyond your own home? This post breaks down practical ways to get involved locally from attending city council meetings to joining advisory boards and advocating for policies that actually shape your community.

📌 How to Host a Cleanup
A step-by-step guide for organizing a community cleanup in your neighborhood, park, beach, or local green space. Including: supplies, outreach tips, and ways to make the event feel fun instead of overwhelming.

📌 How to Find a Local Zero Waste Community
Sustainability can feel isolating, but you’re definitely not alone. This post shares ways to connect with local zero waste groups although the same tactics can be used for climate organizations, repair communities, gardening clubs, and like-minded people near you.

🎥 highlighted video of the week:

This is an old youtube video, but very much on theme for the week! Here were a few of my dreams for a sustainable future back in 2021, and a lot of them are still incredibly solid. But, check it out and let me know what you think!

Whether you support this work by being a paid member, sharing, liking, or simply reading - I am so thankful you’re here. ❤️

Sincerely,
Kathryn
Going Zero Waste