Leticia Xavier is an award-winning digital culture specialist focused on the intricate intersections between technology and human behaviour. With over a decade of experience, Leticia has pioneered research into social insights, tech dynamics, and digital content strategy at leading agencies in Brazil and Europe. 

As a freelancer, she leverages her expertise to consult for brands, offering unique perspectives that blend analytical rigour with cultural nuance. Leticia is also a writer, with work published in 

the Canvas8 library, and other well-respected publications. A recognised thought leader in her field, she regularly posts in-depth analyses to her LinkedIn profile and newsletter 

Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience. 

Personal Worlds

Conversations about sustainability are no longer enough. As it becomes all but certain that global heating will increase beyond the 1.5°C of the Paris Agreement, the effects of climate change are already a reality for many communities worldwide. People are not only sensing the urgency of the matter but are realising that existing strategies – on a personal and collective level – are not sufficient.

While companies and businesses were quick to make environmental pledges and commitments, demonstrated by the rising ESG movement in recent years, the momentum has slowed or reversed in the face of economic downturn and potential culture war boycotts. Both people and companies are increasingly confused about the language of sustainability, and vague and misleading vocabulary has led to cases of greenwashing. While climate change is acknowledged as a pressing matter, people no longer understand how they can make a difference – feeling mistrust, scepticism, and fatigue from the oversaturation of messaging from big companies. At the same time, others are angry at the lack of progress, taking more drastic measures to spur governments, businesses, and billionaires into taking action and accountability for their disproportionate environmental impact.

Facing polycrisis in a world that's more interconnected and globalised than ever, people recognise the need for new leaders and ways to mobilise. They're calling for more intersectional approaches to sustainability, looking at long-term social, environmental, economic, and ethical impacts across the supply chain.

At the same time, the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on people's sustainable behaviours. People often prioritise price over ethics (even if the growth of the eco-luxury sector shows no signs of stopping) but are also increasingly adopting circularity to save on costs – buying more secondhand, seeking out durability, repairing more, and sharing more.

Sustainable Solutions

Isabel Siciliano is an experienced nutritionist with nine years of hands-on experience in product development, food and nutrition education, health promotion, and integrated health. Her unique approach places emphasis on the social, emotional, cultural, and economic aspects of food. Siciliano's education at institutions, such as ENSP/Fiocruz and UNESA, where she specialised in 'Food and Culture' and Pediatric, School, and Adolescent Nutrition, equips her with a unique perspective. She's also the co-founder of an eco-friendly e-commerce business, while remaining active in her community by promoting nutritional education through workshops and lectures.

Brazil

Sustainability

General food

IBGE

Guia do Estudante

Universidade de São Paulo

Olhe Para a Fome

Pacto Contra a Fome

Fiocruz

Brasil de Fato

Interview with Isabel Siciliano conducted by the author

Favela Orgânica is challenging the status quo in Brazil's marginalised communities, using nutrition education and sustainable practices to combat food waste and promote healthy living. Local initiatives like this are emerging as agents of change in a nation afflicted by escalating food insecurity.