Environment – Clear the Air https://ctablog.ca Educate. Inspire. Mobilize. Fri, 22 May 2020 09:59:51 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1 https://ctablog.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-Screen-Shot-2020-03-22-at-6.23.14-PM-1-32x32.png Environment – Clear the Air https://ctablog.ca 32 32 148240924 Episode 14: The value of experimental learning with Maddi LeBlanc https://ctablog.ca/episode-14-the-value-of-experimental-learning-with-maddi-leblanc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-14-the-value-of-experimental-learning-with-maddi-leblanc https://ctablog.ca/episode-14-the-value-of-experimental-learning-with-maddi-leblanc/#respond Fri, 22 May 2020 09:46:37 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=3066

Maddi LeBlanc, Founder of On Board, Instructor for SUP Kids and competitive stand-up paddle boarder, shares how experimental learning teaches kids and adults alike to be responsible environmental stewards – all while having fun. In this episode, Maddi shares her process for turning passions into two projects: a community fundraising ...

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Maddi LeBlanc, Founder of On Board, Instructor for SUP Kids and competitive stand-up paddle boarder, shares how experimental learning teaches kids and adults alike to be responsible environmental stewards – all while having fun. In this episode, Maddi shares her process for turning passions into two projects: a community fundraising event and an educational program for youth.

Episode references and resources:

If you enjoyed learning about Maddi’s journey, check out these conversations on creating change by following your passions:

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

Make sure to rate, subscribe and follow the Clear the Air Podcast, and follow the journey on social media:

Website: https://ctablog.ca

Podcast site: https://ctablog.ca/podcast

Instagram: @_ctablog

Twitter: @_ctablog

YouTube: Clear the Air

Don’t forget to share your sustainability journey on social media and tag Clear the Air!

Clear the Air – The Podcast


ABOUT THE PODCAST

Clear the Air seeks to educate, empower and mobilize youth to take action against climate change. These weekly episodes will focus on a specific theme, teaching you how to take action RIGHT NOW in your own life. By listening to the podcast, you will become a sustainability expert in no time.

Jenna Phillips is the podcast host, a passionate university student, and a local climate action leader. She uses her expertise and desire for change to make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

The post Episode 14: The value of experimental learning with Maddi LeBlanc appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/episode-14-the-value-of-experimental-learning-with-maddi-leblanc/feed/ 0 3066 Must-read books about the environment https://ctablog.ca/must-read-books-about-the-environment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=must-read-books-about-the-environment https://ctablog.ca/must-read-books-about-the-environment/#respond Tue, 19 May 2020 11:30:58 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=3036

Whether you’re doing a summer school term online, working from home or already off on summer break, many of us have some extra time on our hands. Why not spend it curled up reading with a good book? Even better, a book that’s educational, inspiring and shares and promotes environmental ...

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Whether you’re doing a summer school term online, working from home or already off on summer break, many of us have some extra time on our hands. Why not spend it curled up reading with a good book? Even better, a book that’s educational, inspiring and shares and promotes environmental stewardship? It’s a triple-win. There are definitely a few must-read books about the environment out there that fit these criteria. Throughout my years of school and obsession with reading (I used to do challenges at my library over summer and would devour 50+ books in four months alone), I have come across a few amazing books that have left a lasting impact on me. 

When selecting which books to include on this list, another important factor to me was reading ease. If I am reading an educational book for pleasure, I don’t want it to be filled with jargon, equations, complicated processes or anything that – I already get enough of that from course work! These books are therefore great to pick up at any time of day, no matter how much time you have to read and if you want something you could read through in a few days (or less).

Why is it good to read environmental books? It totally reshapes your perspective. Much of what we hear about the environment is on the news, online or in journal articles. How often do we hear first-person, real stories? Moreover, there is something to be said in the quality of a product that is free versus bought. It’s like an online course you paid to attend or a subscription to a magazine; you are paying for quality information you may not have access to elsewhere. Many of the authors come from unique backgrounds as well, from professors to politicians to scientists. In a book, they have a chance to say exactly what they want, no filters or pressures to say something else from the outside world.

Without further ado, let’s check out my must-read books about the environment.

 

1. Braiding Sweetgrass by robin wall kimmerer

Not only is this one of my favourite environmentally-focused books, but this is hands-down one of my favourite books of all time. This book was on my wish list for months and I finally had the opportunity to read it during my First Nations and Environment course last semester. Let me tell you, it is life-changing. I don’t say that often (if at all), so the fact that I am now means this book is a gem.

Robin W. Kimmerer is an expert at “Two-Eyed Seeing,” an Indigenous concept of blending traditional views of the environment with Western science to create a balance in the way we approach environmental stewardship. She is an Anishinaabe of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation as well as a plant biologist and professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She grew up with a love and respect for the environment, which translated into her career as she educates her students and the world about the sacred role of plants and nature in our lives.

What I love is that Kimmerer blends both views – traditional and scientific – in just about every chapter. She talks about the role of mycorrhizae for plant health in scientific terms, but then also from a holistic perspective of the plants nourishing one another because they are family. She shares the lessons she learned growing up with Traditional Ecological Knowledge as the basis for her learning, teaching you to appreciate every little thing – from the sun in the sky to the rocks under your feet and the strawberries you picked in your backyard. By sharing her stories in both lenses, Kimmerer is able to connect with her readers and make them think. Every passage was meaningfully written and allowed me to view the world in a deeper, more holistic way.

The main takeaways from the book are that, first, we are all family. Not just you and I, but our friends and classmates, the land we walk on, the water we drink and the park we walk through. Everything is connected. Second, the concept of reciprocity is the essence of life: the earth is a gift, as is our food and water, and even the relationships we build with one another. They all feed our spirit. In return for these gifts, it is our responsibility to express gratitude and be mindful of our consumption, to never take anything for granted.

This book definitely has a spiritual element to it, but regardless if you believe in spirits or god or the afterlife, ANYONE can connect to this book. My class last term was a very diverse group of individuals from all ages, races, religions and educations, yet we all connected through Braiding Sweetgrass. That’s how powerful it is. Kimmerer is also a beautiful writer; every line was so smoothly written and connected like art.

 

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2. This crazy time by tzeporah berman

Braiding Sweetgrass shares the perspective of a scientist/traditional knowledge practitioner. In contrast, This Crazy Time is written by Tzeporah Berman, a world-renowned environmental activist, researcher, campaigner for esteemed NGOs like Greenpeace, and mother (this last point makes her story very relatable, as you will see throughout the book). Berman’s book essentially tells the story of how her career took form, and how she became active in the world of environmental justice. Specifically, this Canadian activist passionately drove campaigns on deforestation, environmental degradation, Indigenous rights and climate change. From working on the frontlines of protests (chaining herself to a tree in British Columbia) to developing a global campaign against the Victoria’s Secret catalogue to balancing it all with parenting while inspiring the next generation of climate activists, Berman brings so many unique perspectives and stories to her book.

What I found really interesting and relatable is how she describes her journey. Berman didn’t know where she would end up when she was in high school – some of the organizations she worked for didn’t even exist at that point! Especially in the environmental realm, it’s hard to say “what” you want to do for a career because the field is ever-evolving. Berman’s story shows that if you just go with the flow, follow your passions and seize opportunities when they come, you can be successful. So not only is this a motivating environmental book, but it’s also a comforting self-help guide.

It’s also interesting to hear the perspective of someone working on the front lines of activism. Unless you or someone close to you is actively engaged in such things, our understanding of them is shaped strictly by the media and often portrayed in a negative light. Berman began as a researcher then founder herself a part of the Clayoquot protests against clear-cutting, slowly working herself up from localized campaigns and blockages to national and international ones. It is clear that Berman is passionate about the environment, not only from the stories she tells but the way she tells them. She is also very witty, making her stories both admirable and humorous to read. 

Overall, This Crazy Time is a mix of educational (I didn’t know about all the campaigns she worked on), inspirational (one personal really CAN make a difference) and actionable (showing YOU how you can make a difference, just like her). If you are curious to learn about the various campaigns she has worked on, the inside view of NGOs and activist work or how to follow your passions, you need to check out this book.

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3. eating animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

I read this book in one of my very first university courses (circa 2017) when I was still new to the world of plant-based living, animal rights and the global food industry. This book is by no means trying to convert you to veganism or vegetarianism, rather educate you about the impacts our food choices have on the planet as well as the lives of animals and people. In fact, Foer used writing this book to help him decide whether his newborn child should or should not be raised eating meat from an industrialized world. If you’re not familiar with the problems in our industrialized food system (specifically within the meat industry) I strongly suggest you read this post. I talk a lot about it on the blog, but to summarize the main issues with the meat industry include animal abuse, a huge ecological footprint, unethical employment practices and poor-quality products (lots of fillers, cheap animal feed, etc.). This is not to say that every animal farm demonstrates these behaviours, which Foer makes clear, and are most common in factory farms. Foer therefore focuses on the industrialized system, uncovering all of the challenges and injustices found there.

One of my favourite things about this book is that – just like the other two – it is written like a story. Foer isn’t just throwing facts at the reader. He is telling the story of his journey as a new parent trying to do what is best for his child, a task that seems so complex in today’s industrialized world. How can you know what is good or bad for your child (or yourself) when it is so easy to lie or hide behind labels? Foer also realizes the value in storytelling to communicate a point and how stories are embedded in our food culture. Does your family have a traditional recipe that is passed through generations, or do you gather together for meals during the holidays? There are stories there. Humans learn and process information best through stories because it allows us to relate to what we are being asked to understand.

Foer also dives into the psychology of eating meat, which I found really interesting. We know of the dangers and injustices of the meat industry, yet we continue to support it every day. Why? We dissociate from our food: you see the chicken breast on your plate, which was served, bought and packaged in that form. It dissociates you from the living being the chicken once was. Most of the time we don’t even know where our meat is coming from because our food systems are so disconnected. When we can connect to our food, know where the meat came from and be grateful for the life that was taken to allow us to thrive, we can heal our relationship to our food and food system. In short, Eating Animals is not about not eating meat; it’s about rebuilding our ethical and moral relationships with the meat that we do eat, and to food in general.

honourable mentions
  1. Costly Fix by Ian Thomas Urquhart. Another course reading in one of my favourite courses to date (Environmental Policy, Politics and Governance with Dr. Jennifer Clapp). This insightful book brings a local perspective on a long-standing Canadian issue: the oil sands. Urquhart explores how the oil industry came to be the giant that it is today, as well as who (and what) had to be exploited in the process. For someone that wasn’t very knowledgeable of Canada’s oil history, this book was very informative and gave me a clear picture of everything it encompasses. That said, it is definitely a heavier read (lots of facts/numbers) and sometimes I found myself having to re-read passages to make sure I understood. There are also many moments where I sensed the author’s bias: while Eating Animals is very subjective and allows the reader to make their own judgement on consuming animal products, Urquhart is definitely taking a more persuasive, subjective approach – he is telling you what you should believe. Nonetheless it is still a great read, just keep the bias in mind as you read it.
  2. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Another amazing book that explores the relationships between us and nature. If you are unfamiliar with the amazing communication networks between trees, you must read this. This book has become very popular over the last few years for the unique perspective of trees that it provides.
  3. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Likely one of the most infamous environmental books ever because it basically started a new wave of environmentalism in the 1960s. I’ll be honest here (and I feel really guilty about this), I haven’t actually read the book entirely yet. I have read several passages for coursework but for some reason I have yet to read it all – it is the next book I am going to buy!
final thoughts

While you may or may not be an avid reader, I encourage you to give just one of these books a try. I believe it is important to constantly learn, whether that be in a classroom setting or on your own time by digesting a good book. It’s also important to learn about new topics that don’t typically catch your eye (for myself, the oilsands). Who knows, you may suddenly become passionate about the new topic. Even if you don’t, you will finish reading with more knowledge than you had when you started.

Have you read any of the books I listed? If so, what are your thoughts on them? Do you have any of your own must-read books about the environment that I haven’t discussed? Let me know in the comments!

I hope you all have a great day, and happy reading! Until next time.

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]]> https://ctablog.ca/must-read-books-about-the-environment/feed/ 0 3036 Episode 13: Five common misconceptions about recycling https://ctablog.ca/episode-13-five-common-misconceptions-about-recycling/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-13-five-common-misconceptions-about-recycling https://ctablog.ca/episode-13-five-common-misconceptions-about-recycling/#respond Fri, 15 May 2020 10:35:05 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=3030

Episode 13: How much do you actually know about recycling? There are many myths and misconceptions about how recycling works and what you can/cannot recycle. This episode clarifies the five of the most common misconceptions so that you can live more sustainably.  It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion ...

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Episode 13: How much do you actually know about recycling? There are many myths and misconceptions about how recycling works and what you can/cannot recycle. This episode clarifies the five of the most common misconceptions so that you can live more sustainably. 

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

Make sure to rate, subscribe and follow the Clear the Air Podcast, and follow the journey on social media:

Website: https://ctablog.ca

Podcast site: https://ctablog.ca/podcast

Instagram & Twitter: @_ctablog

YouTube: Clear the Air

Don’t forget to share your sustainability journey on social media and tag Clear the Air!

Clear the Air – The Podcast


Episode references and resources:

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Clear the Air seeks to educate, empower and mobilize youth to take action against climate change. These weekly episodes will focus on a specific theme, teaching you how to take action RIGHT NOW in your own life. By listening to the podcast, you will become a sustainability expert in no time.

Jenna Phillips is the podcast host, a passionate university student, and a local climate action leader. She uses her expertise and desire for change to make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

The post Episode 13: Five common misconceptions about recycling appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/episode-13-five-common-misconceptions-about-recycling/feed/ 0 3030 Episode 12: Create change through plant-based living with Jackie Bastianon https://ctablog.ca/episode-12-create-change-through-plant-based-living-with-jackie-bastianon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-12-create-change-through-plant-based-living-with-jackie-bastianon https://ctablog.ca/episode-12-create-change-through-plant-based-living-with-jackie-bastianon/#respond Fri, 08 May 2020 10:33:25 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=3003

In this episode, learn how to create change through plant-based living with Jackie Bastianon. Jackie, one of Canada’s Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25, is the Co-Founder of PlantEd Project, an Ottawa-based group that connects the community in taking sustainable action every day through the power of plant-based living. In this ...

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In this episode, learn how to create change through plant-based living with Jackie Bastianon.

Jackie, one of Canada’s Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25, is the Co-Founder of PlantEd Project, an Ottawa-based group that connects the community in taking sustainable action every day through the power of plant-based living. In this episode, learn how Jackie transformed her passions into a real-life business and became a young entrepreneur, while also receiving valuable advice on how to create your own project.

Episode references and resources:

If you enjoyed learning how to create change through plant-based living with Jackie Bastianon, check out these conversations on skill-building, creating change and following your passions:

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

Make sure to rate, subscribe and follow the Clear the Air Podcast, and follow the journey on social media:

Website: https://ctablog.ca

Podcast site: https://ctablog.ca/podcast

Instagram & Twitter: @_ctablog

Don’t forget to share your sustainability journey on social media and tag Clear the Air!

Clear the Air – The Podcast


ABOUT THE PODCAST

Clear the Air seeks to educate, empower and mobilize youth to take action against climate change. These weekly episodes will focus on a specific theme, teaching you how to take action RIGHT NOW in your own life. By listening to the podcast, you will become a sustainability expert in no time.

Jenna Phillips is the podcast host, a passionate university student, and a local climate action leader. She uses her expertise and desire for change to make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

The post Episode 12: Create change through plant-based living with Jackie Bastianon appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/episode-12-create-change-through-plant-based-living-with-jackie-bastianon/feed/ 0 3003 Episode 11: How sustainability helped me recover from my eating disorder https://ctablog.ca/episode-11-how-sustainability-helped-me-recover-from-my-eating-disorder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-11-how-sustainability-helped-me-recover-from-my-eating-disorder https://ctablog.ca/episode-11-how-sustainability-helped-me-recover-from-my-eating-disorder/#respond Fri, 01 May 2020 10:34:59 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=2956

Mental health is an important part of personal wellbeing, yet we don’t talk about it openly enough. In this episode, I share my story on battling an eating disorder and how discovering my true passion for the environment not only helped me overcome my mental health issues, but helped me ...

The post Episode 11: How sustainability helped me recover from my eating disorder appeared first on Clear the Air.

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Mental health is an important part of personal wellbeing, yet we don’t talk about it openly enough. In this episode, I share my story on battling an eating disorder and how discovering my true passion for the environment not only helped me overcome my mental health issues, but helped me change the world. Finding joy in your life is the first step to overcoming your challenges, which is why I share my story on how sustainability helped me recover from my eating disorder.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

Make sure to rate, subscribe and follow the Clear the Air Podcast, and follow the journey on social media:

Website: https://ctablog.ca

Podcast site: https://ctablog.ca/podcast

Instagram & Twitter: @_ctablog

Don’t forget to share your sustainability journey on social media and tag Clear the Air!

Clear the Air – The Podcast


ABOUT THE PODCAST

Clear the Air seeks to educate, empower and mobilize youth to take action against climate change. These weekly episodes will focus on a specific theme, teaching you how to take action RIGHT NOW in your own life. By listening to the podcast, you will become a sustainability expert in no time.

Jenna Phillips is the podcast host, a passionate university student, and a local climate action leader. She uses her expertise and desire for change to make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

The post Episode 11: How sustainability helped me recover from my eating disorder appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/episode-11-how-sustainability-helped-me-recover-from-my-eating-disorder/feed/ 0 2956 How to pursue sustainable careers in top companies with Winnie Lam, Google’s Director of Energy https://ctablog.ca/how-to-pursue-sustainable-careers-in-big-companies-with-winnie-lam/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-pursue-sustainable-careers-in-big-companies-with-winnie-lam https://ctablog.ca/how-to-pursue-sustainable-careers-in-big-companies-with-winnie-lam/#respond Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:30:14 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=2793

Do you aspire to someday work for one of the world’s top companies (Google, Walmart, Apple) or non-profits (World Wildlife Fund, the United Nations), but have no clue where to start? Do your passions for sustainability coincide with these dreams of working for a global organization, but you can’t figure ...

The post How to pursue sustainable careers in top companies with Winnie Lam, Google’s Director of Energy appeared first on Clear the Air.

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Do you aspire to someday work for one of the world’s top companies (Google, Walmart, Apple) or non-profits (World Wildlife Fund, the United Nations), but have no clue where to start? Do your passions for sustainability coincide with these dreams of working for a global organization, but you can’t figure out how they can possibly coincide? If you said yes to either of these, today I bring you a story that will answer your questions. In this interview with Winnie Lam, learn how to pursue sustainable careers with top companies from Google’s Director of Energy, sustainability lead, and member World Wildlife Fund’s National Council.

Winnie started out just like the rest of us: a student with a passion for change. Through hard work, skill development and an opportunist mindset, Winnie has become an admirable leader in the realm of sustainability, helping some of the world’s largest companies operate more eco-consciously. In this interview, Winnie discusses how she designed the career she has now and what critical steps youth need to take to make a change.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

“I graduated from Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and have been working at Google for 15 years. I have always had a passion for sustainability. I had been doing side projects to optimize the energy produced by Google’s solar panels, and benchmark the energy efficiency across Google’s office buildings. In 2013, I decided to go all in. Rather than doing side projects, I decided to pursue a career in sustainability full time. It’s been very fulfilling since.”

Coming from an engineering background, how did you first get involved in sustainability?

Back in 2008, I was working in Google’s Ads team, which didn’t have much to do with sustainability. I wanted to roll up my sleeves and do something related to sustainability. I learned that Google had recently become the largest installer of solar panels in corporate America. I contacted Google’s Real Estate team, and asked if there was anything I could do to help with the solar panels. They wanted help with data analytics. My goal was to optimize the solar energy generated by the 1.7MW of solar panels across dozens of Google’s office buildings. I analyzed the solar panels’ tilt, building locations, solar radiation by time of year, and many other factors. After analyzing all this data, we identified a method to double the solar energy output for some buildings. 

Turns out that there were a few buildings directly located across from a dirt field and it had not rained for months, so the solar panels were very dirty. We power washed them, and the solar energy output doubled overnight. While it seems obvious now, washing solar panels was not a commonly adopted practice. I published this finding in Google’s blog, so that everyone else can benefit from our analysis.  

When people think of WWF, they typically don't relate it directly to engineering. How did you find yourself working with WWF?

In 2012, there was a vast increase in the elephants being poached for their ivory. I learned about this issue from various wildlife conservation non-profits that I supported. I wanted to do something to help, and didn’t have to look far. Back at that time, when someone searched for “buy elephant ivory”, Google would mistakenly show ads and shopping results enabling people to buy ivory. This was against Google’s policy, but there were holes in enforcing that policy.

I recruited some friends as volunteers. With help from WWF on what to look for, we noted all the elephant ivory ads we found on a spreadsheet. I would then share that spreadsheet with my colleagues that did policy enforcement. They took down the ads promptly. That worked well for a while, but certainly was not a scalable approach. So I worked with the Engineering team to automate the removal of these ivory ads. It was not straightforward, because the algorithms needed to distinguish between elephant ivory ads from ivory colored shoes. Of course, the team figured it out and automated banning ivory ads. 

After getting Google to ban elephant ivory ads, WWF and I decided that the robust solution we need is to get the entire tech industry to ban selling ivory on our tech platforms. We formed a coalition comprising of many major tech companies in the US and China, and then later in Europe and Africa, towards the common goal of banning the sale of endangered animal products on our websites.  

You have worked organizations from the global to local scale to promote sustainability. Do you think one scale is more important or feasible to act at than another?

What advice can you give to someone interested in making change, but not sure which level they should work with?

Every organization delivers value to society in unique ways. A small local organization or startup may be more nimble to the needs of the region, whereas a big global organization has the potential to scale its impact more broadly. For someone early in their career, it may be beneficial to work for a company that is well respected in their industry. Some people claim that working at Google or McKinsey is like earning a degree from Stanford or Harvard, in terms of the boost in their career. I can see that.

For someone wanting to make change, my advice is to get your hands dirty and do anything, literally anything, to add value to that organization. I’ve used that approach at various points in my career. It has worked out well for me.  

From your own experiences, what are some of the challenges with mobilizing people to take action, especially youth? Do you have any advice for overcoming these barriers?

There is no shortage in people who are passionate about doing something positive for climate change. Transforming that enthusiasm into meaningful impact is the challenging part. My advice is to come up with an effective strategy for how you will positively impact the world, and recruit people to join you. 

For many co-op students today, it is a dream to get an internship opportunity with Google. Back in university, did you ever imagine that you’d be working for an organization as large as Google or the WWF?

Definitely not. I have always adopted an opportunistic mindset, to grab the best opportunity ahead of me and never look back. 

Going through your degree and career, did you have a mentor/role model to guide or inspire you?

I have had lots of mentors throughout my career. I am not shy about asking for advice from people who are orders of magnitude more accomplished than I am. My mentors include CEO’s at various non profits, many of whom had illustrious careers in the private sector before going the non-profit route. Some of my mentors are very generous with offering me their guidance, because they see my potential in doing something good for the world. Other times, they mentor me because I can help them, through my Google connections. Other times, they are just genuinely kind people. I’m extremely grateful to my mentors, and make an effort to stay in touch with them.  

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND TELL HIGH-SCHOOL WINNIE ONE THING/LESSON RELATED TO YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

To succeed in the professional world, it takes a lot more than A+ grades and knowledge. People skills and emotional intelligence are critical leadership qualities.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability is such a broad term. For climate change, it means doing everything we can to limit further temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. For consumerism, it means not consuming more of the planet’s resources than can be replenished. For wildlife, it means protecting ecosystems around the world. 

final thoughts

If this conversation could be summed up, the message would be this: there is always a role for youth in fostering change. Whether it be with a company, a non-profit, or your own start-up initiative, all it takes is the motivation to initiate something. If you truly want to work for a an organization, you need to initiate it. If you see an environmental problem within your community (litter, water pollution, deforestation…) take the initiative to launch a campaign against it. Also, always strive to learn. Your role as a student does not stop once you get your degree. Learn from coworkers, peers, family members; find a mentor in every new role you take on. Follow the journeys of people you admire and want to grow up to be like, and figure out what steps it took them to get there. The road to your ideal future may be a hard one, but it is possible. You just need to put the work in and believe in yourself.

To learn more about Winnie and her work, check out these resources and stories:

If you enjoyed learning about Winnie’s journey and her advice on how to pursue sustainable careers with top companies, check out these other helpful conversations that deal with skill-building, creating change and following your passions:

Have any questions for Winnie about how to pursue sustainable careers with top companies, or suggestions for other guests to have on the blog/podcast? Let me know in the comments. 

Until next time.

The post How to pursue sustainable careers in top companies with Winnie Lam, Google’s Director of Energy appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/how-to-pursue-sustainable-careers-in-big-companies-with-winnie-lam/feed/ 0 2793 Episode 10: Cater your degree to your passions with Jeffray Behr https://ctablog.ca/episode-10-cater-your-degree-to-your-passions-with-jeffrey-behr/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-10-cater-your-degree-to-your-passions-with-jeffrey-behr https://ctablog.ca/episode-10-cater-your-degree-to-your-passions-with-jeffrey-behr/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:33:32 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=2888

Episode 10: Learn how to cater your degree to your passions with Jeffray Behr. Jeffray is a Mechanical Engineering student with a passion for sustainability, renewable energy and a plant-based lifestyle. This interview explores topics ranging from how to cater your degree to your interests, chasing your passions, and navigating the ...

The post Episode 10: Cater your degree to your passions with Jeffray Behr appeared first on Clear the Air.

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Episode 10: Learn how to cater your degree to your passions with Jeffray Behr. Jeffray is a Mechanical Engineering student with a passion for sustainability, renewable energy and a plant-based lifestyle. This interview explores topics ranging from how to cater your degree to your interests, chasing your passions, and navigating the business world post-graduation.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

Make sure to rate, subscribe and follow the Clear the Air Podcast, and follow the journey on social media:

Blog: https://ctablog.ca

Instagram: @_ctablog

Twitter: @_ctablogDon’t forget to share your sustainability journey on social media and tag Clear the Air!

Clear the Air – The Podcast

References and resources:

  • https://80000hours.org/
  • https://drawdown.org/
  • https://www.effectivealtruism.org/
  • https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffray-behr_plantbasedfoods-activity-6652985190081794049-K8AP

If you enjoyed learning about Jeffray’s journey and his advice on how to cater your degree to your passions, check out these other helpful conversations that deal with skill-building, creating change and following your passions:

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Clear the Air seeks to educate, empower and mobilize youth to take action against climate change. These weekly episodes will focus on a specific theme, teaching you how to take action RIGHT NOW in your own life. By listening to the podcast, you will become a sustainability expert in no time.

Jenna Phillips is the podcast host, a passionate university student, and a local climate action leader. She uses her expertise and desire for change to make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

The post Episode 10: Cater your degree to your passions with Jeffray Behr appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/episode-10-cater-your-degree-to-your-passions-with-jeffrey-behr/feed/ 0 2888 How to celebrate Earth Day 2020 during COVID-19 https://ctablog.ca/how-to-celebrate-earth-day-during-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-celebrate-earth-day-during-covid-19 https://ctablog.ca/how-to-celebrate-earth-day-during-covid-19/#respond Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:45:00 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=2861

Earth Day is this Wednesday, April 22, which represents a historical moment in several ways. For one, it’s the 50th anniversary of this international day for the planet. It’s also the first time we cannot experience it together due to COVID-19. As part of several initiatives that had Earth Day ...

The post How to celebrate Earth Day 2020 during COVID-19 appeared first on Clear the Air.

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Earth Day is this Wednesday, April 22, which represents a historical moment in several ways. For one, it’s the 50th anniversary of this international day for the planet. It’s also the first time we cannot experience it together due to COVID-19. As part of several initiatives that had Earth Day events planned for this week, the current situation has required a lot of creative thinking around how to celebrate Earth Day 2020 during COVID-19. If anything, I think the ideas that have come out of these unexpected brainstorming sessions are not only creative, they also allow more people to access them given their virtual nature. 

So, how can you celebrate Earth Day from the comfort of your own home this year? We will explore a few ways in this post. First, let’s quickly chat about the history of Earth Day.

April 22, 1970: The birth of the modern environmental movement

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets to protest the environmental injustices taking place in their country. Following the release of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (READ THIS!!) in 1962, people across the globe were suddenly made aware of how disruptive their everyday activities were to the planet, and to their own health.

Initiated by the efforts of an American Senator and activist, the day was chosen late-April to maximize college student participation. News of the event was spread through educational campaigns, NGOs, religious groups and more. The protests on April 22, 1970 marked a historic event because it was one of the rare times people of all political, religious and economic classes could come together to agree on one thing: their industrialized behaviours are harming the planet, and their health.

The first Earth Day created momentum for the formation of several key environmental legislative pieces in the USA – the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Environmental Education Act, the Clean Air Act and more. In 1990, the first global Earth Day took place with over 200 million participants from 141 countries, building a strong foundation for the first-ever United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, which was a monumental turning point in the environmental movement. In essence, Earth Day can be considered the “birth of the modern environmental movement” as it was the first time that people across the world were mobilized to take environmental action. To this day, millions of citizens around the world come together to demand action to protect their sacred planet.


Earth day 2020: a new approach

We now know that Earth Day is, historically, characterized by people taking to the streets in large numbers to demand change. That is not an option this year. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t act on Earth Day. We just have to act in a different way than normal! Let’s look at how to celebrate Earth Day 2020 during COVID-19 in four unique ways.

1. set a goal

Have you been wanting to kickstart your sustainability journey, but putting it off until the “right” moment, like a New Years resolution that can only happen on January 1st? Or are you already living sustainably but want to take that further? Whatever the case, treat Earth Day as your motivation to make a change in your life. Choose one thing that is manageable to change, and create a SMART goal. It could be eating more plant-based, using less plastic in the kitchen, driving less, thrifting more clothing – the list is endless! Make sure that your goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, otherwise you will not be motivated to achieve it. 

2. get outside

Earth Day is about the Earth, so why not reconnect with your surroundings? Go for a walk or hike in your nearby natural areas, play in the backyard, tend to your garden, or just sit outside and enjoy some fresh air. Many of us are cooped up inside the house, sometimes for days on end. Getting outside for even ten minutes each day is mentally refreshing for yourself while reminding you of the amazing ecosystem services (air filtration, carbon sequestration, natural beauty) that the Earth provides!

3. tune in to virtual events

Since events are no longer happening in-person, community organizations and action groups have taken to the Internet to inspire change. There are live webinars, workshops, concerts and more taking place all around the world – the majority of which are free to (virtually) attend! Check out my resources at the bottom of the page to explore virtual events in your area and around the world.

4. talk about it

An important aspect of environmental action is to talk about why action is needed. What are the issues that concern you, and how can you engage in meaningful solutions? Have these conversations with friends, family or whoever else you are in quarantine with (or phone/video calling). You may inspire them to view the issues in a new perspective, or brainstorm new ways to take action in your own life. Effective solutions to any problem – environmental, social, economic, calculus homework – are built from productive conversations and collaboration. 

helpful resources

Check out these pages for more information on how you can celebrate Earth Day 2020:

 

  • Earth Day 2020 Event Map: a global tracker for all the virtual events going on. Zoom in on your home town, or use the search engine to filter by event type, organization, interests, etc.
  • My list of easy zero-waste swaps: a great goal you can set is to start incorporating more zero-waste habits into your daily life. Three years ago in honour of Earth Day, I wrote this guide for living zero-waste.
  • #EarthDayAtHome: a list of awesome activities you can do from the comfort of your own home to celebrate Earth Day this year.
  • Earth Day Live: a free, 3-day virtual event you can sign up for that will showcase activists, artists and more (including Al Gore) as they mobilize climate action.
  • Check out local initiatives on social media: I’m participating in Peel Climate Council’s Earth Week. Every day they are hosting a new virtual event. Be sure to check out their lineup, and explore what’s going on with your local groups!
  • Register your own digital event: Eager to start a discussion or create change in your local community? Register with Earth Day Network as an official event and watch your virtual audience grow.
helpful resources

Let’s all take a moment to thank and celebrate the Earth for all that it provides us. While the world may be a strange place right now, it is the Earth that allows us to thrive.

If you enjoyed this post and want more inspiration for how to take climate action at home, check out these posts:

What are your plans for Earth Day? Are you starting a virtual event in your community? Let me know in the comments, or tag me on social media at @_ctablog for a feature!

Until next time.

 

The post How to celebrate Earth Day 2020 during COVID-19 appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/how-to-celebrate-earth-day-during-covid-19/feed/ 0 2861 6 Criteria for Sustainable Makeup https://ctablog.ca/6-criteria-for-sustainable-makeup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-criteria-for-sustainable-makeup https://ctablog.ca/6-criteria-for-sustainable-makeup/#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:30:00 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=2368

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Is your makeup sustainable? How do you know? Today I am sharing all you need to know about sustainability in the cosmetics world, including 6 criteria for sustainable makeup to help you make informed purchases!

Before we get started, I wanted to share a survey I am running. For youth ages 12 to 25, if you could fill out this quick (<5 minute) survey on your understanding of climate change, its causes and solutions I would greatly appreciate it! It will help me with a future project to enhance the number and accessibility of climate action initiatives for youth like you! If you have friends or family in this age group, please share it with them as well! It doesn’t matter where you are from, so long as you fit the age category. 

In other news, I am starting up the Clear the Air Newsletter again! Sign up to receive a special letter from me in your mailbox every two to three weeks, which includes exclusive sustainability tips I don’t post on the blog, early-access information and more. All you have to do to sign up is fill out that form on the sidebar (to the right of this post)!

Why care about makeup? 

For some of us, makeup is a part of our everyday lives. That means we go through A LOT of product quickly. There’s also the beloved makeup drawer (I know you have one), full of makeup products you bought on a whim but wouldn’t wear in everyday life, or they weren’t the right colour, or you moved on to bigger and better things. Needless to say, for something we use so much of, makeup plays an important role in our lives and therefore presents an opportunity to promote sustainable change! Remember, every sustainable change, no matter how small, makes a difference. That includes switching up your makeup.

Why is makeup unsustainable?

Some of the reasons are obvious, others not so much. Let’s look at a few reasons why switching up your routine is important: 

1. Toxic chemicals

Just because we put it on our face doesn’t mean makeup is safe or “clean.” Makeup products often include UV filters (SPF), microplastics, formaldehyde and asbestos (carcinogens, i.e. cancerous), toluene (harmful to the brain and nervous system), parabens (endocrine disruptors) and more. Those little specks of glitter in your eye shadow and highlighters that you adore so much? Plastic. 

2. Pollution

When we wash our face and take all that makeup off, where does it go? Down the drain. All those toxic chemicals travel through our water systems and can end up in rivers, lakes and soil. These chemicals poison surrounding ecosystems, resulting in genetic defects, reproductive issues and even cancer.

3. Waste

Most packaging from makeup cannot be recycled, therefore it will end up in landfills, which could then end up in waterways and so on. If they are made of plastic, those products can take hundreds to thousands of years to break down. Don’t forget about the packaging on your makeup product, either: more than 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging are produced every year. Most of that will end up in our environment.

4. Animal testing

More and more companies are stepping away from animal testing thankfully, but it still exists out there. I don’t want to get into the horrid-ness of this problem, but you can easily look it up on the Peta website. Here is a link to brands who still test on animals (note: published in 2017, so some of these brands may no longer be testing on animals. Do your research!)

5. Palm oil

One of the most well-known and dangerous industries in the world today, the palm oil industry is a major source of deforestation. Palm oil is also one of the most common ingredients in our everyday products – check out the cosmetic, food, cleaning and other personal care products lying around your house. I guarantee you at least one of them contains palm oil.  The oil palm plant grows in tropical rainforests where lax environmental regulations have resulted in rapid, uncontrolled deforestation. As a global biodiversity hotspot, thousands of species are at risk, and one of the world’s major carbon sinks (i.e. ABSORBS greenhouse gas emissions, helping to fight climate change) is being destroyed. Deforestation turns these ecosystems into carbon SOURCES (i.e. produces GHGs, contributing to climate change). Palm plantations are also major sources of human trafficking, slavery and poor working conditions. 

6. Health impacts

The health impacts of makeup are not limited to the natural environment. You’re putting toxic chemicals like carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and more onto your skin, which can directly absorb into your bloodstream. 

How do I know if it’s sustainable?

Now that we know the importance of WHY we need to switch to sustainable makeup, let’s look at the HOW. Here are 6 criteria for sustainable makeup that you can use while shopping for any cosmetic product:

  1. Vegan / Cruelty-Free
  2. Non-toxic
  3. Palm oil-free
  4. Recyclable / reusable packaging
  5. Ingredient source
  6. Social responsibility
1. Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Why this matters: A product can be vegan without being cruelty-free, meaning they could be testing on animals still. Make sure the product is BOTH vegan and cruelty-free. 

What to look for: Leaping Bunny certification (cruelty-free) and Peta Beauty Without Bunnies Logos (cruelty-free and vegan depending on the logo).

2. Non-toxic

Why this matters: Avoid the health risks associated with toxic chemicals in makeup while reducing environmental risks when these chemicals find their way into water or soil.

What to look for: Natural-based ingredients (e.g. coconut oil), paraben free, food-grade ingredients (meaning safe for consumption…but please don’t eat your makeup), Certified Organic, Ecocert’s COSMOS Certification (natural and organic cosmetics).

3. Palm oil-free

Why this matters: Reducing your contribution to deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change and social injustice.

What to look for: Palm oil-free Certifications (through POFCAP or Orangutan Alliance).

4. Recyclable / reusable packaging

Why this matters: Cut down your waste that will end up in landfills, and reduce the amount of resources and energy required to fuel your everyday habits.

What to look for: Give-back programs where you can bring packaging back to stores, packaging made of recycled materials, plant-based dyes, packaging without pumps, brushes or mirrors. 

5. Ingredient source

Why this matters: Ensure your makeup products are not sourcing from environmentally destructive practices (e.g. deforestation) and cut down your carbon footprint by using products that source ingredients more locally (fewer emissions from transportation).

What to look for: Locally-grown ingredients, Certified Organic, ingredient type (does it have to be farmed or mined?), whether the brand is transparent about their ingredient sourcing.

6. Social responsibility

Why this matters: Protect the rights of workers across the world by ensuring they are working for safe, respectful employers. 

What to look for: Certified-B Corporation, Fair Trade, Ecocert’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Certification.

Other general tips
  • Use ALL of the product.
  • Try to repurpose packaging.
  • Read the label.
  • DIY your products. 
Other helpful resources
  • This awesome database provides you with different eco-labels that can be used on cosmetic packaging. Next time you see an unfamiliar logo on your packaging, check the database to see what it means.
  • Peta’s Beauty Without Bunnies database allows you to search through hundreds of cosmetic brands that are cruelty-free and/or vegan based on a variety of search criteria (search by product type, regulation standards, certification type, etc).
  • This list of sustainable makeup brands ranks various companies by their packaging, ingredients and more. There are some Canadian brands on there, too!
  • The Think Dirty app – scan the barcode of your cosmetics to learn what toxic ingredients are in it, and be offered alternatives. 
Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this post on sustainable makeup. Next time you need to make a cosmetic purchase, use these 6 criteria for sustainable makeup to help you find environmentally and socially sustainable products that also support your health!

If you liked this post, be sure to check out these ones that show you how to incorporate sustainability into your everyday life:

Do you have your own criteria when shopping for sustainable makeup? Do you find the experience challenging? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time.

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]]> https://ctablog.ca/6-criteria-for-sustainable-makeup/feed/ 0 2368 Episode 08: How to be a young entrepreneur with Tania Del Matto https://ctablog.ca/episode-08-how-to-be-a-young-entrepreneur-with-tania-del-matto/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=episode-08-how-to-be-a-young-entrepreneur-with-tania-del-matto https://ctablog.ca/episode-08-how-to-be-a-young-entrepreneur-with-tania-del-matto/#respond Fri, 10 Apr 2020 10:21:04 +0000 https://ctablog.ca/?p=2701

Episode 08: In this episode, learn how to be a young entrepreneur with Tania Del Matto. Tania is a sustainability expert, esteemed entrepreneur and inspiring youth mentor. From navigating the world as a young entrepreneur to finding inspiration to start a business, this conversation proves how youth can truly make a ...

The post Episode 08: How to be a young entrepreneur with Tania Del Matto appeared first on Clear the Air.

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Episode 08: In this episode, learn how to be a young entrepreneur with Tania Del Matto. Tania is a sustainability expert, esteemed entrepreneur and inspiring youth mentor. From navigating the world as a young entrepreneur to finding inspiration to start a business, this conversation proves how youth can truly make a difference in the world.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

Make sure to rate, subscribe and follow the Clear the Air Podcast, and follow the journey on social media:

Blog: https://ctablog.ca

Instagram: @_ctablog

Twitter: @_ctablog

Don’t forget to share your sustainability journey on social media and tag Clear the Air!

Clear the Air – The Podcast


To learn more about GreenHouse: check out their site here.

If you enjoyed learning how to be a young entrepreneur with Tania Del Matto and want tips more on being a successful innovator, check out these posts:

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Clear the Air seeks to educate, empower and mobilize youth to take action against climate change. These weekly episodes will focus on a specific theme, teaching you how to take action RIGHT NOW in your own life. By listening to the podcast, you will become a sustainability expert in no time.

Jenna Phillips is the podcast host, a passionate university student, and a local climate action leader. She uses her expertise and desire for change to make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s time to Clear the Air of all this confusion about climate change. It’s time to learn how we, the youth climate leaders of today, can make a change. It’s time to take our future into our own hands.

The post Episode 08: How to be a young entrepreneur with Tania Del Matto appeared first on Clear the Air.

]]> https://ctablog.ca/episode-08-how-to-be-a-young-entrepreneur-with-tania-del-matto/feed/ 0 2701