We had the good fortune of connecting with Cecilie Stuart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecilie, how do you think about risk?
My life is all about risk taking- life is essentially a creative act. I began as a ballet dancer and had a successful career as film and TV dancer/choreographer. Everyday I had to step onto a blank canvas and create art and a career where you had to compete against hundreds of talented dancers for a job every time you worked. I risked my talent, my reputation and my personal integrity everyday in order to shine. After becoming a parent and raising a girl and boy, I taught them how to dance and become creative activists, through my non-profit, Move the World. We all began taking risks through performing on behalf of the earth and environmental justice throughout Los Angeles. Inspiring youth to have their voices be heard and stand up for the planet is a risky act. We had to have courage and speak out and lead humanity toward a more sustainable future. We didn’t know how people would respond, in fact, this was the time when climate deniers ran politics and the social climate. It wasn’t certain if our audiences would agree or start to take action to eliminate plastic pollution, reduce consumerism, or rally to support climate refugees. But taking risks doesn’t have any guarantees, but it does make you feel vital and inspired that you are living your purpose. That’s what we learned. Now our non-profit project is called Full Circle Compost, is teaching hundreds of people how to compost and regenerate soil which is a powerful climate solution. We are changing hearts and hands- turning food waste into regenerative soil. Again cutting new territory- taking risks all the way!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Move the World/ Full Circle Compost focuses on reversing global warming by diverting food waste from landfills and drawing down carbon emissions through community composting and soil regeneration. I usually tell people that landfills are the third largest emitter of methane gas in California, making addressing waste a top priority. It hasn’t been easy, but our tireless volunteers and teachers give back to our earth every day by helping people take food waste and turn it into soil- seems like magic but really its just working with nature to preserve our planet.

Not may are teaching composting in schools, we teach thousands of students annually to limit plastics, use hands-on techniques for land stewardship and composting, and walk lightly on the land. We created a rodent-proof 1 ton compost bin made from reclaimed wood, perfect for on-site composing accessible for all.

Thus far since 2019, we’ve have successfully supported their community in diverting nearly 35 tons of food waste from landfills over a period of five years and producing 20 tons of nutrient-rich soil.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots in the city are places in LA where you can eat well and are truly earth conscious; Sugar Taco is a fabulous vegan taco spot with great margaritas and a vibrant atmosphere. Also, The Getty Center is one of my favorite art museums which often has progressive exhibits and a lush gorgeously designed garden with city views. The Santa Monica Mountains and beaches are glorious- one give back idea I share is to visit your favorite beach or hike and take back with you a handful of plastic and dispose of it properly. This gives you a great day of fun and eliminates micro plastics from our watershed plus leaves your heart singing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Project Drawdown is an organization dedicated to reversing global warming. They were the first to compile a comprehensive list of climate solutions at a time when everyone was paralyzed or denying global warming. They inspired me to act, to teach and to share the possibility of reversing global warming and implementing real climate solutions which I teach today!

Website: https://www.fccompost.org/

Instagram: @fccompost

Twitter: move.the.world

Facebook: fullcirclecompost

Other: https://www.movetheworldnow.org/

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