There are very few environmental perspectives that grab our attention. In 2011, we know we need to recycle, to not litter, to buy green — the basics are already embedded into western thought. It still isn’t enough, as we seem to ignore the “inconvenient truth” about the environment, but there hasn’t been a strong message with actual solutions popping up lately.

This video by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a good start.

It is thought-provoking and bold, building upon the concept of licensing merchandise rather than purchasing it. When a washing machine goes out, for example, we would return it to the manufacturer (through eco-friendly methods of transportation, of course) and receive a new/refurbished one. Turning waste into assets makes recycling a more plausible concept, particularly with gadgets and physical technologies.

Every journey starts with a step. This one may prompt you to take your first.