A conversation between Isabella Cavalletti (founder of Eco-Nnect) and Sveva Clavarino

What is eco-nnect?

Eco-nnect is a media platform for everything eco. Focusing on spreading information and fostering connectivity through our community club, with this we hope to harness love for our planet and ignite a will for change. 

What is your mission?

Currently the world is as connected as it’s ever been, yet it hinges on a thread of disconnection. Our generation strives to feel participatory, to connect with one another, with their surroundings, and most of all to connect with themselves. We want to fill this void by providing people with purpose through authentic connections and empowering information. Thus, our mission is to inspire NextGENs to make more impactful choices effectively, fostering connectivity at all stages.

How can we eco-nnect with the world?

Eco-nnect celebrates dynamism. Our platform is founded on the energy and zeal of individuals and projects from all across the world. By facilitating interconnectivity and bridging solutions we can create a community of catalysers collaborating to create a just transition towards a more sustainable world. To do this you can Eco-nnect in different ways; as an individual: read our newsletter and articles, or join our membership, or shop at our No-tox and Zero-waste store. As a company: join our membership and we will make sure your CSR budget is well allocated.

What does, according to your philosophy, live a sustainable life mean? And how can we easily switch to sustainable living? 

Living a sustainable life differs from person to person. If you are bringing your own grocery bags, or boycotting fast fashion, or slowly eating less meat, or joining eco-nnect's membership--all these efforts count, even if you're not doing all of them at once. Big corps study consumer behaviour, and as long as people become more aware and change their habits, together we can build a healthier system.
In the truest definition of a "sustainable life" I would argue that living in a permaculture off-grid farm is probably the ultimate sustainable lifestyle--outside of our current system. Of course, this isn't something that is accessible to everyone, however meeting people who are following this path is very humbling and intriguing. Living amongst nature and from nature gives you a peace of mind found nowhere else. Check out Punta Mona in Costa Rica to see how a community is thriving using permaculture's principles.

How does being a partner or member of eco-nnect promote sustainability?

Joining eco-nnect means becoming part of a community of changemakers, giving you a way to get more involved in the sustainability sector. With your membership we off-set your monthly carbon whilst also sending you impact investing opportunities and discounts on nature focused trips. As we grow we will host dinners, events, and experiences to fully engage our members.

How do you think that Covid19 pandemic will affect our planet in terms of sustainability, recycling and eco-consciousness?

The covid-19 pandemic could take two different paths on our journey towards sustainability:

1. The realist's path: Governments will focus on economic expansion, promoting any industry to get the economy back on its feet. Thus, completely dismissing environmental issues, emission targets or biodiversity concerns. People will also become more selfish, thinking first and foremost on their wellbeing, instead of nature's.

2. The optimist's path: People see the pandemic as a wake up call from nature, realising that the Covid19 is a direct result of mistreating nature for too long. Thus, people stand up to governments to enforce an economic recovery plan that mitigates climate and environmental concerns. 

Personally, I think it depends on how we act these coming months: whether or not we rally against the government despite the pandemic and the economic depression--showing that we care no matter what; also it really depends on the outcome of the US's most pivotal elections.