Why three days in Paris left etheco CEO, Justin Bellinger, energised, inspired and more convinced than ever that the future of ethical living is not just possible — it’s already taking shape
A journey that set the tone
Last month I travelled to Paris by Eurostar with my good friend Jason Hollingsworth, who also happens to be etheco’s founder and CEO. The journey, that necessitated a painfully early start, gave us time to reflect on what we hoped to achieve — and, as it turned out, we were thinking far too small. From the moment we stepped into the Grand Palais, we were swept up in something much bigger than a typical conference. ChangeNOW Paris summit isn’t just an event; it’s a movement. And this year, it felt like that movement had real momentum.
Energy, validation and real connection
Over three days, we pitched etheco, demonstrated what we’re building, and spoke to investors, partners and fellow founders. The response genuinely blew me away. Time and again, people told us we’re tackling the right problem — making ethical and eco-friendly living simple and accessible — at exactly the right time. That kind of validation stays with you.
But what struck me most wasn’t just the feedback; it was the scale. Tens of thousands of people from across the globe, united by a shared determination to do better. Walking beneath that incredible glass dome, you could feel a shift happening — a collective refusal to accept business as usual.
Why ChangeNOW matters — and what’s next
Founded in 2017 by a group of entrepreneurs and changemakers, ChangeNOW was built to accelerate solutions for the planet by bringing together innovators, investors and decision-makers in one place. It’s now the largest event of its kind, and you can see why. It doesn’t just talk about change — it actively enables it.
Next year’s summit is expected to return to Paris, continuing its mission to spotlight scalable, impactful solutions. And after what we experienced this time, Jason and I are already hoping to be back. Not just to showcase how far etheco has come, but to deepen the relationships we’ve started and play our part in that growing ecosystem.
We left Paris tired but energised — the best kind of combination. If this is the direction the world is heading in, then I’m more excited than ever about what comes next.
Take action