Hi there! We’re Elise van Breda (she/her) and Joy (Dorant) van Breda (he/him) – the passionate duo behind Somewhat Greener, where we blend storytelling, science, and creativity to tackle urgent, complex global challenges. But before diving into our work, we want to share the story that brought us to this moment. Let’s jump in!
Our journey began in 2015 when we “swiped right” on a popular dating app, connecting over a mutual love for philosophy and deep, meaningful conversations – long before we knew that social justice and Earth system science would shape our future work. Since then, we’ve continuously challenged each other to live more consciously and responsibly, embracing an ongoing (un/re-)learning process rooted in enabling positive change. This path ultimately led us to create our passion project, Somewhat Greener.
In 2020, we began sharing our passion through an Instagram platform, using storytelling and creativity to highlight underrepresented narratives. As we deepened our knowledge of ethics, social and environmental sciences, and systems thinking, we connected with a global community of thought leaders, scientists, educators, and activists working towards systemic change. The more we explored the conditions necessary to create a just world on a liveable planet, the more frustrated we became by the slow response to humanity’s interconnected crises. This growing frustration pushed us to act.
In 2022, we turned that frustration into action, combining our backgrounds in communication science and physics to translate complex science into compelling, accessible narratives that challenge existing paradigms. We also began actively engaging people through formats designed to inspire dialogue and meaningful action. From hosting book clubs and literature discussions to leading workshops, trainings, and presentations, we have explored diverse ways to create spaces that not only inform but also inspire collaboration, critical thinking, transformative action, and a shared commitment to protecting our planet.
Through Somewhat Greener, we aim to:
We believe that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared and acted upon. Our mission is to bring nuance and depth to critical discussions, using science-backed storytelling to engage individuals, organisations, and policymakers. From crafting in-depth explainers and conducting research-based advocacy to facilitating workshops and participating in multilateral conferences, we strive to make systemic change more tangible, accessible, and actionable. Our work is grounded in the principles of systems thinking, justice, and sustainability. Here are some of the ways we turn knowledge into impact:
We are passionate about making science accessible to those who can put it into practice – whether that’s policymakers shaping climate strategies, grassroots activists demanding accountability, or organisations aligning their work with the latest research. Our projects lie at the heart of what drives us: using storytelling, science, and creativity to tackle some of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time.
By weaving intergenerational, intragenerational, and interspecies justice into our narratives, we challenge dominant paradigms and highlight overlooked perspectives, pushing for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Each project is an opportunity to bridge the gap between science and society, and between research and practical action.
We invite you to explore our featured content, projects, and social media platforms (Instagram & LinkedIn) to dive deeper into our work and the topics we’re passionate about. Whether you’re interested in reading our latest blog posts, learning about our ongoing initiatives, or connecting with us on social media, there are many ways to engage with our mission. We also encourage you to explore the values, intentions, and limitations that guide our work – principles that shape everything we do.
If our approach resonates with you, we’d love to connect. Whether you’re expanding your team, launching a project, or seeking fresh perspectives, we’re eager to explore new opportunities for meaningful collaboration. We’re excited to partner on initiatives that combine storytelling, science, and creativity to drive change.
From translating complex scientific findings into actionable insights to amplifying underrepresented voices and advocating for transformative, systems-based solutions, we’re committed to shaping decisions that impact the future of life on our planet. If you’re working on something that aligns with our values and expertise, let’s explore how we can collaborate to turn ideas into action and create meaningful impact.
Joy and Elise
