The Paperclip Challenge

Give each person a paperclip (or show one if paperclips aren’t available) and a piece of paper or a digital device to write on.

Set a target: “Try to come up with at least 20 different uses for a paperclip.” Encourage everyone to work independently for 5–10 minutes, listing as many uses as they can imagine, whether practical, creative, or completely unconventional.

After the individual brainstorming session, gather as a group and share the ideas. Create a combined list on a large sheet of paper or a shared digital document.

Encourage discussion to build on each other’s ideas and push creativity further by asking:

• “What happens if we change the size or material of the paperclip?”
• “Can we combine paperclips to create something new?”
• “What if the paperclip is part of a bigger system or tool?”

Reflect together on the brainstormed ideas and discuss:

• “Which of these uses could contribute to solving a climate-related challenge?”
• “Can any of these ideas promote sustainability, reduce waste, or raise awareness about environmental issues?”

Highlight the importance of creativity in addressing climate challenges by identifying links between the ideas and real-world problems.

As a group, vote on or reach consensus about the most promising idea(s) that could directly serve climate action.

Examples might include using paperclips for upcycled art projects, DIY tools for repair, or creative awareness campaigns about sustainability.

Choose one or two ideas to bring to life as a group. Develop a simple plan by assigning roles and brainstorming steps to implement the chosen idea(s). For instance:

• Create a piece of art from paperclips to showcase at a local event.
• Use paperclips as part of a DIY workshop to teach repair skills.

Conclude with a group discussion:

• “What surprised you about the ideas we came up with?”
• “How did working individually and then collaboratively enhance creativity?”
• “What did this teach us about linking creative thinking to climate action?”