A few days ago, I had the rare pleasure of interviewing Tony Elkington: industrial circular economy designer, systems thinker, and the creative hand behind Rob Hopkins’ “Box of the Future”.

We didn’t trade blueprints.

We traded questions.

Tony’s voice was calm, and you could feel the gravitas behind it. He wasn’t preaching. He was inviting: inviting people . . . especially Youth . . . to reclaim the future . . . not as a forecast . . . but as something deeply participatory.

Tony spoke about how he works. That focus forms a critical mass that resonates profoundly.

The Box:

During our interview Q&A, Tony said something almost too easy to overlook:

“I might get my wife to listen to our discussion and tell me whether it’s worthy of putting out.”

That small gesture . . . checking in with someone you love . . . is a quiet reminder that Decency begins with good relationships. With reflection. With listening. With good-faith questions.

Sometimes the most radical act is just slowing down and checking.

What if You made a Box?

Maybe your Box of the Future isn’t a machine.

Maybe your Box of the Future is a song.

Maybe your Box of the Future is a sidewalk chalk-drawing.

Maybe your Box of the Future is a workshop.

Maybe your Box of the Future is a school garden.

Maybe your Box of the Future is a bike-bus.

Maybe your Box of the Future is participating in a student council meeting.

The form doesn’t matter.

What matters is that we ask:

“What if?” . . . and then: “Why not?”

That question might be your first tool in building a circular future: one made by everyone, for everyone.

And if you’re ever in doubt, Tony would tell you:

“There will be a version of the future that suits your skills, your interests, your community.”

We just have to start imagining it . . . together.

The full interview Part 1 of 3:

The full interview Part 2 of 3:

The full interview Part 3 of 3:

With gratitude to Tony Elkington for his time, trust, and craft.