Articles
Positive Social Transformation: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
January 28, 2025, Novi Sad, Serbia, Nataša Heror
I’ve been thinking for days about how to start. The best way is from the beginning.
When I was first invited to join an online event of Ecocivilization in the autumn of 2020, it became clear
to me that I wanted to be a part of building this movement.
How? I had no idea.
Everything felt so logical, noble, and a little utopian. A defining feature of Ecocivilization is that those who resonate with the idea really like it, but they can’t quite explain what it’s about, including myself.
For three whole years, I’ve been observing and thinking about what Serbia can offer the world without feeling embarrassed.
My intuitive understanding has never wavered: the time for positive social transformation has come.
I’ll quote Hugo: “Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come.”
With great pride, I am speaking from Serbia, where something entirely new is being born we are witnessing a social process led by students.
To understand this process, let me provide some context: on November 1, 2024, a tragedy occurred at the Novi Sad railway station when 15 people lost their lives due to a canopy collapse.
It’s important to note that the station had been recently renovated and opened to the public only a few months before the tragedy.
Corruption and incompetence led to this horrific event. Since that day, nothing has been the same in Serbia. Protests have been organized daily, with moments of silence at 11:52 AM—the time of the tragedy.
At the end of November 2024, university student’s protests began. Soon, high school students joined in.
Don’t forget, Christmas and New Year’s came, followed by the winter break. The protests didn’t stop; in fact, the new semester didn’t start on time in primary schools, and some didn’t start at all.
International context: neither Western nor Eastern politicians are supporting the citizens of Serbia. We are finally cleaning up our own backyard.
So, what’s new about the social movement led by young people? They don’t have a leader. Decisions are made by direct voting during plenums, with good manners, intelligence, and education taking center stage. They communicate through silence, well-founded statements, and fantastic humor on their protest banners. They are doing things differently from previous generations that had the chance to confront authoritarian regimes.
As a result, our society will have different outcomes. They’ve turned the game around. The rhizomatic approach that Ecocivilization carries within it is crucial for designing new relationships, which are the most important task in creating a sustainable present and future.
P.S. While writing this, I listened to Dvořák’s Symphonie No 9 “Du Nouveau Monde” and the Government of the Republic of Serbia fell.
How? I had no idea.
Everything felt so logical, noble, and a little utopian. A defining feature of Ecocivilization is that those who resonate with the idea really like it, but they can’t quite explain what it’s about, including myself.
For three whole years, I’ve been observing and thinking about what Serbia can offer the world without feeling embarrassed.
My intuitive understanding has never wavered: the time for positive social transformation has come.
I’ll quote Hugo: “Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come.”
With great pride, I am speaking from Serbia, where something entirely new is being born we are witnessing a social process led by students.
To understand this process, let me provide some context: on November 1, 2024, a tragedy occurred at the Novi Sad railway station when 15 people lost their lives due to a canopy collapse.
It’s important to note that the station had been recently renovated and opened to the public only a few months before the tragedy.
Corruption and incompetence led to this horrific event. Since that day, nothing has been the same in Serbia. Protests have been organized daily, with moments of silence at 11:52 AM—the time of the tragedy.
At the end of November 2024, university student’s protests began. Soon, high school students joined in.
Don’t forget, Christmas and New Year’s came, followed by the winter break. The protests didn’t stop; in fact, the new semester didn’t start on time in primary schools, and some didn’t start at all.
International context: neither Western nor Eastern politicians are supporting the citizens of Serbia. We are finally cleaning up our own backyard.
So, what’s new about the social movement led by young people? They don’t have a leader. Decisions are made by direct voting during plenums, with good manners, intelligence, and education taking center stage. They communicate through silence, well-founded statements, and fantastic humor on their protest banners. They are doing things differently from previous generations that had the chance to confront authoritarian regimes.
As a result, our society will have different outcomes. They’ve turned the game around. The rhizomatic approach that Ecocivilization carries within it is crucial for designing new relationships, which are the most important task in creating a sustainable present and future.
P.S. While writing this, I listened to Dvořák’s Symphonie No 9 “Du Nouveau Monde” and the Government of the Republic of Serbia fell.
Description: The photo was taken on January 27, 2025, during the 24-hour blockade of Autokomanda in
Belgrade, Serbia. Photo: Luka Stojković
Because we care: Sustainability through small everyday decisions
February 28, 2025, Novi Sad, Serbia, Majda Adlešić
“Humanity is
demonstrating a willingness to restore civilization’s strength while also preserving the planet’s.”
I lived a nomadic life for a long time. This means traveling with minimal budget resources, movement that builds relationships, gets to know people, landscapes and cultures, developing daily needs in a limited space. That experience brought me a lot of knowledge and values.
First of all, we really don’t need much to be satisfied and happy. We live in a very beautiful, rich and inspiring part of the planet. I’m not sure that we always eat, drink or wear what we like, it’s imposed by consumerism. I have often wondered in recent years, exactly during those travels, where did this world go?
How will our wonderful Planet, which we so tirelessly pollute and consume its resources beyond all borders, withstand this. What will happen to many peoples, cultures and their heritage. How can people still live alienated from each other, without hugs, trust, solidarity, smiles.
Movement is an essential part of our existence.
But then, movement stopped—we all remember what 2020 looked like. That year, I had to shift from my nomadic lifestyle to adapting to everyday life in one place. I began to notice different behaviors and emerging needs—people’s fear of material scarcity, the limitation of their usual movements, and restrictions on their freedom. All these reactions were completely justified—every departure from the familiar is painful.
Searching for answers, I started developing my entrepreneurial idea. A fairer society is built on both individual and collective responsibility for change. Personal responsibility and action are often the first steps toward transformation, but they are not enough on their own. My intention has always been to share what I do for myself with others, giving them opportunities to take action.
The core goal of this entrepreneurial venture is sustainability through small everyday decisions. I launched educational programs on self-sufficient food production and a zero-waste lifestyle. The aim is to encourage people to analyze and rethink their behaviors concerning nature, food, vegetable growing, waste, consumer habits, and clothing. Additionally, participants develop new forms of social interaction that even have a therapeutic effect, fostering connections with nature and each other. Everything is based on ecological and sustainable principles—respecting natural laws and rhythms and restoring coexistence with nature rather than exerting ego-driven dominance over it. This has simply become my way of life and activism.
Some time after that, I encountered a new idea that was already gaining global momentum—Ecocivilization. I realized that my thoughts and entrepreneurial story resonated with the values of this movement. This confirmed that we were all heading toward a moment where humanity and the planet would require ”renovation”. I didn’t stop developing my ideas, and Ecocivilization has since evolved into a global movement spanning over 50 countries. Since October, I have been part of the Ecocivilization initiative in Serbia.
My answers and solutions are, in fact, a reminder of the habits we once lived by before we were overwhelmed by consumerism. This means I carefully consider the consequences of every action, especially regarding purchasing and waste generation, resource consumption, water usage, food production, and its further treatment.
Even in my own home, we follow the principles of a circular economy. We started with composting (so that plant waste no longer ends up in landfills), separating waste for recycling, growing our own vegetables (eliminating packaging waste), repurposing food surpluses instead of discarding them, collecting used oil for soap and candle making, and donating, recycling, and redesigning textiles. Everything in human life is mathematics and economics—from the moment we wake up and engage in our morning routines, we consume resources, materials, and time. Only by learning to manage these wisely and reintegrating everything through circular economy principles can we restore balance and improve both ourselves and our environment.
This is precisely what Ecocivilization advocates. I must also reflect on the most current events in our everyday lives. In recent months, we have been experiencing some of the answers to the questions I asked at the beginning. Humanity is demonstrating a willingness to restore civilization’s strength while also preserving the planet’s resources.
The world as we know it is ceasing to exist, and a new era is emerging. In Serbia, this awakening has been deeply painful, unfolding through a complex transformative process. Every metamorphosis is like that. Many young, educated persons are using their knowledge and skills to create a new national frequency through daily movement. They organize protests and blockades, run, walk, and connect cities, towns, villages, and hamlets—carrying information just like neurons in our bodies or rhizomes in the plant world.
People welcome them with open arms and hearts, with smiles. They offer them local food and drinks, share their homes, clothes, and shoes. As they move, these young people collect waste without considering who left it there and offer help in various ways. By doing so, they connect local communities and bring light to places far from major roads.
Through sustainable movement, they are building a sustainable identity—one that aligns with the values of a regenerative civilization rather than just traditional concepts of national identity. They show that they care; they are compassionate, considerate, supportive, well-mannered, and cultured.
Where will this lead us? Only time will tell—and I look forward to it every single day.
I lived a nomadic life for a long time. This means traveling with minimal budget resources, movement that builds relationships, gets to know people, landscapes and cultures, developing daily needs in a limited space. That experience brought me a lot of knowledge and values.
First of all, we really don’t need much to be satisfied and happy. We live in a very beautiful, rich and inspiring part of the planet. I’m not sure that we always eat, drink or wear what we like, it’s imposed by consumerism. I have often wondered in recent years, exactly during those travels, where did this world go?
How will our wonderful Planet, which we so tirelessly pollute and consume its resources beyond all borders, withstand this. What will happen to many peoples, cultures and their heritage. How can people still live alienated from each other, without hugs, trust, solidarity, smiles.
Movement is an essential part of our existence.
But then, movement stopped—we all remember what 2020 looked like. That year, I had to shift from my nomadic lifestyle to adapting to everyday life in one place. I began to notice different behaviors and emerging needs—people’s fear of material scarcity, the limitation of their usual movements, and restrictions on their freedom. All these reactions were completely justified—every departure from the familiar is painful.
Searching for answers, I started developing my entrepreneurial idea. A fairer society is built on both individual and collective responsibility for change. Personal responsibility and action are often the first steps toward transformation, but they are not enough on their own. My intention has always been to share what I do for myself with others, giving them opportunities to take action.
The core goal of this entrepreneurial venture is sustainability through small everyday decisions. I launched educational programs on self-sufficient food production and a zero-waste lifestyle. The aim is to encourage people to analyze and rethink their behaviors concerning nature, food, vegetable growing, waste, consumer habits, and clothing. Additionally, participants develop new forms of social interaction that even have a therapeutic effect, fostering connections with nature and each other. Everything is based on ecological and sustainable principles—respecting natural laws and rhythms and restoring coexistence with nature rather than exerting ego-driven dominance over it. This has simply become my way of life and activism.
Some time after that, I encountered a new idea that was already gaining global momentum—Ecocivilization. I realized that my thoughts and entrepreneurial story resonated with the values of this movement. This confirmed that we were all heading toward a moment where humanity and the planet would require ”renovation”. I didn’t stop developing my ideas, and Ecocivilization has since evolved into a global movement spanning over 50 countries. Since October, I have been part of the Ecocivilization initiative in Serbia.
My answers and solutions are, in fact, a reminder of the habits we once lived by before we were overwhelmed by consumerism. This means I carefully consider the consequences of every action, especially regarding purchasing and waste generation, resource consumption, water usage, food production, and its further treatment.
Even in my own home, we follow the principles of a circular economy. We started with composting (so that plant waste no longer ends up in landfills), separating waste for recycling, growing our own vegetables (eliminating packaging waste), repurposing food surpluses instead of discarding them, collecting used oil for soap and candle making, and donating, recycling, and redesigning textiles. Everything in human life is mathematics and economics—from the moment we wake up and engage in our morning routines, we consume resources, materials, and time. Only by learning to manage these wisely and reintegrating everything through circular economy principles can we restore balance and improve both ourselves and our environment.
This is precisely what Ecocivilization advocates. I must also reflect on the most current events in our everyday lives. In recent months, we have been experiencing some of the answers to the questions I asked at the beginning. Humanity is demonstrating a willingness to restore civilization’s strength while also preserving the planet’s resources.
The world as we know it is ceasing to exist, and a new era is emerging. In Serbia, this awakening has been deeply painful, unfolding through a complex transformative process. Every metamorphosis is like that. Many young, educated persons are using their knowledge and skills to create a new national frequency through daily movement. They organize protests and blockades, run, walk, and connect cities, towns, villages, and hamlets—carrying information just like neurons in our bodies or rhizomes in the plant world.
People welcome them with open arms and hearts, with smiles. They offer them local food and drinks, share their homes, clothes, and shoes. As they move, these young people collect waste without considering who left it there and offer help in various ways. By doing so, they connect local communities and bring light to places far from major roads.
Through sustainable movement, they are building a sustainable identity—one that aligns with the values of a regenerative civilization rather than just traditional concepts of national identity. They show that they care; they are compassionate, considerate, supportive, well-mannered, and cultured.
Where will this lead us? Only time will tell—and I look forward to it every single day.
Description: The author of the photo is Gavrilo Andrić, the photo was taken in Eastern Serbia between Bor and Zaječar during the students’ hike to Niš. On March 1st, a protest meeting with blockades will be organized in Nis as a call to fulfill the demands of the students after the fall of the canopy in Novi Sad, when 15 people and children died and two are in serious condition. Through protests, students demand the establishment of institutions, the fight against corruption and crime, and the building of a just, honest and dignified society in Serbia.
Waste-Free Communication – What Is It?
March 29, 2025, Novi Sad, Serbia, Branislava Simović
Or, how ecology and communication go hand in hand.
At first glance, the connection between communication and waste might seem unusual.
But if we pause and think, the logic becomes clear. The foundation of waste-free communication is the zero waste philosophy, which means striving to reduce harmful consequences. Starting to get some ideas? But how does communication leave a trace of harmful consequences? What are those consequences, and how can we minimize their impact?
Let’s Start from the Beginning First, what does ecology teach us?
It teaches us to use resources consciously and responsibly, to protect natural wealth, and to think about the bigger picture.
It encourages us to question every action we take and its impact on nature and the world around us. It teaches us about unity, cooperation, and the understanding that we should not see the world solely from our own perspective but be aware of others as well. Awareness of our role and impact in the community – whether it's our family, workplace, building, street, neighborhood, city, surrounding area, country, region, or even the planet – is also ecology.
How Do We Actually Communicate?
Although we were taught to speak as children, few of us learned the actual skill of communication within our families. If we look back at our childhood, we can recall how the adults spoke to us. If we’re honest, we’ll recognize that we have adopted their patterns. We’ll hear ourselves saying the same sentences our parents or other adults we grew up with used to say.
Did we like hearing them? Sometimes yes, sometimes not so much. Are we happy when we hear ourselves repeating them? Sometimes yes, sometimes not. Those sentences were passed down from their parents or other significant adults.
If we accept this as reality – since just as we had no one to teach us, neither did those who raised us – it will be much easier to move forward.
What Are the Harmful Consequences of Our Communication?
An offended colleague, a confused neighbor, an unsatisfied client, an angry friend, wrong decisions, unmet goals, missed opportunities. Frustration, anger, sadness, and eventually physical manifestations – arrhythmia, high blood pressure, stomach pain… the list goes on. We have all experienced the consequences of harmful conversations at some point.
Just as we globally face the consequences of irresponsible waste management and seek solutions to consumerism-related problems – such as air and water pollution, species extinction, and environmental degradation – we can also approach cleaning up and changing our habits in human relationships and communication.
What’s Next?
In my opinion, the simplest way forward is to follow these two key Ecocivilization goals for 2025:
– Dare to go beyond
– Imagine and practice
How do you imagine an ideal world around you? What kind of relationships do you wish to have with others? How do you picture a meaningful dialogue?
When you:
– Become aware of yourself and your conversation partners,
– Take responsibility for your words,
– Carefully choose words to express what you truly mean,
you are already on the right path. You are stepping beyond old habits, questioning them, and beginning to practice a new, conscious way of building relationships with others.
Waste-free communication connects people, fosters trust, and creates strong bonds.
A Step Toward a Better World
As part of the Ecocivilization movement in 2025, we are focusing on two key themes to make the world a better place and help overcome the challenges our civilization faces:
– Leadership in a Changing World
– Mental Health
In Eco-Civilization Serbia, we believe that healthy dialogue is essential for overcoming challenges—not just for today's leaders but for all of us.
Through education on waste-free communication, we develop our own skills and support those who join us in creating new paradigms. This is not just a story – it’s a call for change. Soon, the Waste-Free Communication program will begin, organized by Ecocivilization Serbia.
Join us and be part of the solution!
At first glance, the connection between communication and waste might seem unusual.
But if we pause and think, the logic becomes clear. The foundation of waste-free communication is the zero waste philosophy, which means striving to reduce harmful consequences. Starting to get some ideas? But how does communication leave a trace of harmful consequences? What are those consequences, and how can we minimize their impact?
Let’s Start from the Beginning First, what does ecology teach us?
It teaches us to use resources consciously and responsibly, to protect natural wealth, and to think about the bigger picture.
It encourages us to question every action we take and its impact on nature and the world around us. It teaches us about unity, cooperation, and the understanding that we should not see the world solely from our own perspective but be aware of others as well. Awareness of our role and impact in the community – whether it's our family, workplace, building, street, neighborhood, city, surrounding area, country, region, or even the planet – is also ecology.
How Do We Actually Communicate?
Although we were taught to speak as children, few of us learned the actual skill of communication within our families. If we look back at our childhood, we can recall how the adults spoke to us. If we’re honest, we’ll recognize that we have adopted their patterns. We’ll hear ourselves saying the same sentences our parents or other adults we grew up with used to say.
Did we like hearing them? Sometimes yes, sometimes not so much. Are we happy when we hear ourselves repeating them? Sometimes yes, sometimes not. Those sentences were passed down from their parents or other significant adults.
If we accept this as reality – since just as we had no one to teach us, neither did those who raised us – it will be much easier to move forward.
What Are the Harmful Consequences of Our Communication?
An offended colleague, a confused neighbor, an unsatisfied client, an angry friend, wrong decisions, unmet goals, missed opportunities. Frustration, anger, sadness, and eventually physical manifestations – arrhythmia, high blood pressure, stomach pain… the list goes on. We have all experienced the consequences of harmful conversations at some point.
Just as we globally face the consequences of irresponsible waste management and seek solutions to consumerism-related problems – such as air and water pollution, species extinction, and environmental degradation – we can also approach cleaning up and changing our habits in human relationships and communication.
What’s Next?
In my opinion, the simplest way forward is to follow these two key Ecocivilization goals for 2025:
– Dare to go beyond
– Imagine and practice
How do you imagine an ideal world around you? What kind of relationships do you wish to have with others? How do you picture a meaningful dialogue?
When you:
– Become aware of yourself and your conversation partners,
– Take responsibility for your words,
– Carefully choose words to express what you truly mean,
you are already on the right path. You are stepping beyond old habits, questioning them, and beginning to practice a new, conscious way of building relationships with others.
Waste-free communication connects people, fosters trust, and creates strong bonds.
A Step Toward a Better World
As part of the Ecocivilization movement in 2025, we are focusing on two key themes to make the world a better place and help overcome the challenges our civilization faces:
– Leadership in a Changing World
– Mental Health
In Eco-Civilization Serbia, we believe that healthy dialogue is essential for overcoming challenges—not just for today's leaders but for all of us.
Through education on waste-free communication, we develop our own skills and support those who join us in creating new paradigms. This is not just a story – it’s a call for change. Soon, the Waste-Free Communication program will begin, organized by Ecocivilization Serbia.
Join us and be part of the solution!
Description: The illustration is a photo of our Majda Adlešić who traveled to Podgorica on March 25 to the conference “Support and promotion of regional activities of the civil society in the Western Balkans”
