By Amb. Canon Otto — Convener, Global Sustainability Summit & Founder, CleanCyclers
Every great movement in history began with one person who chose to act differently.
One decision.
One habit.
One moment of awareness.
In sustainability, the same principle applies.
The world does not change because a million people make grand gestures; it changes because one person chooses to take one small step — and then inspires another, and another, until the ripple becomes a wave.
At CleanCyclers, and through the stories we share on SustainabilityUnscripted, we see this truth every day: the power of one is the seed of transformation.
A Simple Story That Reveals a Bigger Truth
Some months ago, during a community sensitization project led by Cleancyclers, I met a young woman named Ada. She wasn’t an activist or a policymaker. She was simply a student, living in a regular community like millions of others across Africa.
But Ada made one small decision:
She began separating her plastic waste at home — just one waste stream — and kept it aside each week for recycling.
Nothing dramatic.
No public announcement.
Just a quiet, consistent act.
Within a month, her younger siblings copied her.
Two months later, her neighbors asked what she was doing and requested separate bags too.
Now you could walk down her street and see households doing the same thing.
As I reflected on this during the Global Sustainability Summit, I said something that still holds true:
“Sustainability does not begin with governments or corporations — it begins with the consciousness of one person.”
— Amb. Canon Otto
This is the heartbeat of Cleancyclers’ community-driven mission.
Why Small Actions Matter More Than You Think
When people hear “sustainability,” they often imagine complex policies, large budgets, or government programs. But in reality, the biggest environmental footprint is created by everyday habits — cooking, commuting, shopping, cleaning, celebrating, and even relaxing.
Changing these habits, one at a time, shifts culture.
At CleanCyclers, our approach has always been simple yet powerful:
Empower one individual → influence one household → transform one community → shape one nation.
This model is why we prioritize grassroots education, real-life stories on SustainabilityUnscripted, and programs that meet people where they are.
Small Actions You Can Start Today
Here are small, everyday habits that create powerful ripple effects:
1. Separate Your Waste
A small act that prevents tons of recyclables from ending up in landfills.
2. Carry a Reusable Bottle or Bag
One reusable bottle can replace hundreds of plastics yearly.
3. Choose Energy-Conscious Living
Turn off lights, unplug chargers, embrace natural ventilation — it adds up.
4. Share What You Learn
In sustainability, sharing knowledge is an act of leadership.
5. Repair Before You Replace
An approach Cleancyclers strongly advocates for — especially with electronics.
6. Celebrate Mindfully
Sustainable celebrations reduce waste and inspire others.
Every habit becomes a message.
Every message becomes inspiration.
Every inspiration becomes a movement.
How the Power of One Shapes Communities
Communities don’t change because we force them.
They change because they witness possibilities.
This is why the narrative approach of SustainabilityUnscripted has been critical — telling real stories of real people living sustainably in their day-to-day lives.
It is also why Cleancyclers continues to invest in community education, campus activations, waste recovery programs, and Africa-wide sustainability storytelling.
When one person acts, others see.
When others see, they act too.
And that is how movements begin.
A Personal Reflection From Canon Otto
As the convener of the Global Sustainability Summit, I have met world leaders, innovators, and sustainability champions. But the most powerful stories — the stories that give me hope — are not from the boardrooms.
They are from ordinary people doing extraordinary things through simple acts.
I often remind people:
“Never underestimate the power of one thoughtful decision. It may be the spark the world has been waiting for.”
— Canon Otto
If Ada can inspire her entire street, then you can inspire your family, your workplace, your faith community, or your entire city.
The journey to a sustainable Africa will not be built on grand gestures alone.
It will be built on millions of small, consistent actions — led by individuals who choose to start today.
Final Message: Be the One
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need a title.
You don’t need funding.
You only need willingness.
Start small.
Stay consistent.
Watch the ripple grow.
At Cleancyclers, we will keep amplifying these stories.
Through SustainabilityUnscripted, we will continue documenting the voices of everyday sustainability champions.
And through the Global Sustainability Summit, we will keep building platforms that show the world what is possible when one person chooses to act.
You are that one.
And the world is waiting for you to begin.
