Stephanie Dickson

Tell us your story, how did you get here?

I used to work in fashion events, which was my dream job, or so I thought. I had a rude awakening when I came to learn that fashion was one of the most polluting and socially corrupt industries in the world (“The True Cost” documentary was life-changing). So, I decided to be part of the solution instead of the problem. My skills were running events, so I started holding small meetups around sustainability and conscious living.

This led me to launch Green Is The New Black and The Conscious Festival – on a mission to make sustainability mainstream, accessible and sexy – through events and media. The best part of my job is interviewing incredible humans around the world on their stories, which I do with my podcast Live Wide Awake. Here, we meet at the intersection of consciousness and climate change.

What impact have you made in Singapore?

It feels strange to toot your own horn about the impact you’ve made. I think that would be more for others to share – if any is deemed at all. What I can share is we’ve had over 30,000 people from all walks of life (and physically in Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Paris) attend our events since we launched in 2015. With this, alongside our media efforts, I hope we’ve helped people on their sustainability journeys to take #littlegreensteps.

What does 2022 look like for you?

My husband and I are nomadic at the moment, which has been a really enriching and interesting experience. After not seeing our families for over 2.5 years, we’re able to spend extended time with them while working remotely. So, definitely more of that!

I’m also one of six women who’ve launched a community to decode web3 for women+ in APAC called UNTAM3D. I’m really excited about the applications for web3 for impact and the climate. This is where a lot of my focus and attention will go this year.

What do you love most about Singapore?

Singapore is such an incredible place to meet intriguing people and get connected. Everyone is so welcoming, open and willing to meet. I love the people I’ve had the fortune to meet and work with during my time here. I also love the feeling when you arrive at Changi Airport, where everything works so well, and you feel like you’re home. The food is amazing. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is one of my favourite places to go. It’s just a really special little island I’ve called home for over 15 years.

What’s the one thing everyone can do to protect our home planet?

Sustainability can be overwhelming and eco-anxiety can creep up even with the most active eco-warriors. So, we believe in and advocate for #littlegreensteps. Because sustainability is a journey, you don’t have to perfect all at once or ever. The best way is to just continue taking action forward, doing a little better each time and bringing others along for the ride.

As Chad Frischmann of Project Drawdown says, “Choose your own adventure!” There are so many ways to look at the journey, so why not look through the lens of an exciting adventure? It doesn’t have to be scary, dreary or a sacrifice. If you need inspiration, check out Project Drawdown or the UN Anatomy of Action for easy next steps and inspiration.

Who is your Local Legend, and why?

Ren Yung Ho, founder of Matter Prints and SVP of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Ren is one of the most incredible humans I’ve ever met. Her eloquence, love and passion for the planet, and zest for life always inspire me. She started an ethical clothing label to help people reimagine and rediscover how to interact with their clothes, and what clothes can represent, in a time when no one was talking about it. And she did it in such a cool and welcoming way with impeccable style. Now, she’s continuing her journey of wellness and sustainability as the second generation of her family business, pushing the envelope and creativity once more.