Global Climate–Zero Waste Storytelling Day

1 DAY. 100 STORIES. 1 MILLION PEOPLE REACHED.

Let’s show the world what zero waste climate action looks like.

One day. Communities around the world. Stories that show what climate action looks like in practice.

On October 23, GAIA is organizing a Global Climate-Zero Waste Storytelling Day — to showcase what zero waste and climate action looks like around the world during COP31 taking place in Antalya, Türkiye.

We invite you to share a story from your community that highlights local zero waste and community solutions. We’ve created templates for you to add your photo and also suggested messaging (under Story #1).

For Story #2, share a photo, video, op-ed, or another creative storytelling format. This could be something that you created in the past and you’re reflecting on it now — highlighting the importance of collective storytelling.

[JOIN THE STORYTELLING DAY]

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

QUICK GUIDE:

Story #1: Post your photo at 11 AM (your time) using this template. Find suggested messaging here.

Tag the intended audience (e.g. Mayor, governement officials, environment ministers, etc) and also tag @GAIA_ZeroWaste (see suggested posts for tagging information)
Use the following hashtags: #GAIAStories #ZeroWasteForClimate #COP31

Story #2: At 3 PM (your time) – Share another post (this can be something you created in the past) highlighting zero waste solutions in your community and the power of collective storytelling.

Use the following hashtags: #GAIAStories #ZeroWasteForClimate #COP31

Engage with other posts using our hashtag: #GAIAStories

Your story can help change the conversation.

Around the world, communities are already showing that zero waste is climate action.

From source separation and composting to reuse, repair, recycling, and community-led waste systems, people are building practical solutions that reduce emissions, strengthen communities, and create a healthier future.

But these stories are not being heard loudly enough.

Let’s change that—together.

What we want to show the world

🌱 Zero waste solutions are already working.
📍 Communities are leading the way.
📊 The evidence is there.
🤝 People-powered solutions deserve investment and support.

Your story could spotlight a successful zero waste program, a community initiative, a local policy, a zero waste champion, or a model that others can learn from.

Make it personal. Make it local. Back it with facts. Tell the world what’s possible.

From your community to COP31

The storytelling doesn’t stop on October 23.

We will bring these stories with us to COP31 in Antalya, where zero waste will have an important place in the global climate conversation.

Together, we can make sure that the voices of communities and frontline leaders are part of that conversation.

We can show decision-makers and funders that effective climate solutions are already being built—and that they need sustained support to grow.

Why now?

The zero waste movement is facing a critical moment.

Misinformation is making it harder to distinguish real climate solutions from false ones. The term zero waste is increasingly being used to promote approaches such as waste incineration that do not reflect the principles or potential of genuine zero waste systems.

At the same time, many community-led solutions continue to be underfunded while resources flow toward approaches that can leave frontline communities behind.

We need to make the real stories impossible to ignore.

Stories that show what works.
Stories that put communities at the center.
Stories backed by evidence.
Stories that point to solutions—not distractions.

Who can participate

GAIA Climate and Zero Waste Communications Fellows
GAIA Members
Allies and friends
Youth
Influencers
Anyone and everyone who cares about the Earth and sees how zero waste is a powerful tool for addressing climate change

How to participate

Participants are invited to share stories on October 23.

Stories can take many forms, including:

LinkedIn or Instagram posts
Short videos
Photo essays
Op-eds
Blogs
Other creative storytelling formats

Story #1 — 11 AM local time

At 11 AM in your local time zone, share a photo of yourself holding a poster featuring one of the following key messages:

ALL HANDS ON DECK FOR CLIMATE. GO ZERO WASTE.
Cut methane fast. Protect frontline communities.

MOVE UPSTREAM. CUT EMISSIONS AT SOURCE.
Prevent waste. Keep materials in use. Keep organics out of landfills.

CUT WASTE. CUT OVERSHOOT.
Zero waste delivers climate action when it matters most.

FUND WHAT WORKS. FUND ZERO WASTE.
Put climate finance behind proven, locally led solutions.

HONOR THE HANDS THAT BUILD ZERO WASTE.
A just transition starts with the people already delivering solutions.

WHEN IT COMES TO WASTE, THERE’S NOWHERE TO GO BUT UPSTREAM.
Prevent waste. Keep resources in use. Cut emissions at source.

DON’T WASTE FOOD. FEED THE SOIL.
Prevent food waste. Return organics to the soil. Build healthier food systems.

LESS PLASTIC. LESS FOSSIL FUEL.
Zero Waste supports the fossil fuel phase-out.

CHOOSE A ZERO WASTE FUTURE.
Transform the systems that create waste—not just the systems that manage it.

[DOWNLOAD THE PHOTO TEMPLATE]

Tell the story behind the message

Each post should include a caption that:

Addresses a relevant target audience, such as a president, environment ministry/department, governor, mayor, or other decision-makers;
Shares a story of a successful zero waste program or model from your community; and
Shows why the solution deserves greater recognition, investment, or support.

Example

Global Climate-Zero Waste Storytelling Day-3 | GAIA

Bandung is already showing the world what’s possible.

In our own Neglasari Sub‑district, the community has built a decentralized organic waste system that diverts 600 kg of food scraps every day. By turning waste into compost and black soldier fly larvae, we’ve cut methane emissions by up to 97% compared to landfills — while creating green jobs and strengthening local food systems.

This is not just a pilot project. It’s proof that zero waste is climate action — and that Bandung’s people are ready to lead.

A Message to the Bandung Government:
We need you to institutionalize and scale this model citywide. Provide land and facilities for community composting.Support source‑separated collection. Integrate informal waste workers into formal green jobs.

By doing so, Bandung can avoid millions of tonnes of CO₂e between now and 2050, while building resilience and dignity for our communities.

#GAIAStories #ZeroWasteForClimate #GAIACOP31 #COP31

Tag your local or national government so they read your story and tag us too:

Linkedin: GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives)
Facebook: @GAIAzerowaste
Instagram: gaia_zerowaste
Twitter: @GAIAnoburn

Story #2 — 3 PM local time

At 3 PM in your local time zone, GAIA Climate and Zero Waste Fellows will share a second post that re-publishes a previous Fellowship output, alongside a personal reflection on the Fellowship and what it means to be part of a global network advancing zero waste as climate action.

Not a Fellow? You can still be part of the story. Share why you believe collective storytelling matters, and why coming together to amplify zero waste and climate solutions can help strengthen the movement and bring community stories to a wider audience.

Through this Fellowship, I’ve seen firsthand how equipping communicators with the right tools and networks makes a difference. The fellowship has been invaluable in:

Amplifying frontline voices so local solutions reach global audiences.
Strengthening evidence-based messaging that connects zero waste directly to climate justice.
Building a global network of advocates who share strategies, successes, and solidarity.

On this storytelling day, I’m reminded that zero waste is not just about waste — it’s about dignity, livelihoods, and climate resilience. The fellowship helps us tell these stories with clarity and impact, ensuring policymakers and communities alike see the value of investing in zero waste systems.