What is Regenerative Sustainability?

That was the question drawn across the top of my boards for this week’s event at McEwan Hall with University of Edinburgh Sustainability. I was greeted by the door with the enthusiastic team, pulling together this big event, escorting people to their spaces, making introductions and more. My space was near the entrance of the hall where student projects and businesses were set up, showing their innovations to the attendees for the evening. I didn’t have time to look at all of the stalls but from where I sat, I could see there were a lot of exciting projects on the go. The room certainly filled me with hope that there is the possibility of a better future for us all. We just have to choose it.

I will talk more about what I drew on the boards, but today I wanted to talk about the people I met. There are many reasons why I love the work that I do. One of the top reasons (other than being able to draw for a living) is meeting so many interesting, incredible, open, kind, passionate people. Many students, scientists, and innovators stopped by the boards to talk to me about the work. Some needed a little encouragement to write their answers on a post-it note for me. Others delighted in the idea and wrote several. I overheard one woman declare ‘I see this all the time in our London meetings!’ which made me wonder why this isn’t happening more up here in Scotland. Maybe the word hasn’t gotten out? At one point I was given the best hug by an attendee as she was so thrilled to have her words illustrated. I forget how meaningful this can be. And to be honest, it is kind of the point to my work!

From this one event I have made many connections. People need people. It’s what I keep saying and I stand by it. How do we connect the dots to a better future? Stay tuned!