In the Green Chair
By Relay Education
A podcast by Relay Education, a charity which delivers education and training programs about the renewable energy and the environment. Hosted by Madison Kendal.
In the Green ChairJan 05, 2022
Stay true to your own green journey (Season 3 Closer)
That's a wrap on season three of In the Green Chair! Leave us a review and rank our podcast :)
Special thanks to our guests:
Underwater phycology (SEAWEED RESEARCH) with Dr. Amanda Savoie
Did you know that Canada's coastline stretches 202,080 kilometers long? Or that 70-80% of the oxygen we breathe comes from seaweed and other marine plants? Or that it's possible to scuba dive for work?
Neither did Madison... until she spoke with Dr. Amanda Savoie, a research scientist at the Canadian Museum of Nature. As the director of the museum's Centre for Arctic Knowledge and Exploration, Dr. Savoie recently led an expedition in Nunavut's Cambridge Bay to gather baseline data about Arctic seaweed to help scientists understand future ecological changes.
We also couldn't resist using our fave. podcast, Ologies, title style for this episode
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Learn more about the expedition here
Follow Dr. Savoie on Twitter @iheartseaweed
And check out the Canadian Museum of Nature!
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Climate adaptation and mitigation in Newfoundland with Ashley Smith
Who do you call when a community is trying to recover after experiencing a natural disaster caused by climate change...or when a city is trying to improve their stormwater management to lessen flooding? In this episode, we've come from away to Newfoundland to learn about climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience from climate change consulting firm Owner and Director, Ashley Smith (Fundamental Inc.).
Learn more about Newfoundland's first socially-focused, climate action consulting firm: Fundamental Inc.
And dive into Fundamental Inc.'s own podcast, Walking the Walk, for an in-depth look at their Transition 2050 projects!
Taking care of death with Cathy Valentine
If environmentally responsible choices are important to us in life, shouldn't they be important to us after?
For the past two decades, Canada's cremation rates have been steadily increasing, with approximately 75% of Canadians choosing this method over burial. Unfortunately, just one cremation produces an average of 534.6 lbs of carbon dioxide and can release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
So, what's a body to do?
We're joined by Cathy Valentine, co-owner and operator of Canada's first public natural burial ground, to find out more about her unique career.
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Visit Salt Spring Island Natural Cemetery's website: https://saltspringcemetery.ca/
Check out Cathy's farm, online or in person: https://http://www.nightowlfarm.ca/
(P.S - to see a photo of Cowboy "the cemetery sentinel", click or tap here)
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Reducing harmful greenhouse gases in hospitals with Dr. Anita Rao
When it comes to anesthetic gases, one of them is not like the others. Desflurane, one of three general anesthetics used in surgery to safely put patients to sleep, has a global warming potential 2500x greater than carbon dioxide. Due to its devastating impact on the atmosphere, there is a global initiative to ban desflurane with Scotland leading the charge. In Canada, anesthesiologists like Dr. Anita Rao are bringing climate action to work with sights set on a complete ban, one hospital at a time.
Explore the link between sustainability and healthcare, as well as the many efforts toward decarbonizing Canada’s health system.
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Thinking about a green career in healthcare?
Dr. Rao shared the perfect resource, just for you: https://cascadescanada.ca/
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Climate conversations with Sidney Howlett
What are climate emotions? Why do they matter? And how do we talk about them with kids? This episode we discuss how to have climate conversations with youth and support teachers with Sidney Howlett, an environmental educator and research assistant.
If you'd like to explore even more, visit GreenLearning's resource page.
Relay Education also offers School Programs about environment and renewable energy
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You can also check out what Sidney's reading:
The real cost of fashion with Sophia Yang
From your head to your toes, what we wear makes an impact. This episode we talk about what a passion for fashion looks like in the age of the climate crisis. (Pssst. It's intersectional.) Madison sits down with sustainable fashion leader, Sophia Yang, to talk about being the founder of a youth led organization and the world of clothing.
Follow Threading Change on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Visit Threading Change's website to learn more about their mission of creating a Feminist, Fossil Fuel-Free Fashion Future.
Respect in forestry with Isabelle Allen
Respect, rotation, regeneration. Learn about these 3 Rs in forestry. We talk about the give and take of the forest industry with a focus on Indigenous involvement. Isabelle Allen is a Registered Professional Forester and a member of Timiskaming First Nation. She is a Projects Forester with Wahkotowin Development, and specializes in Forest Management Plans and Indigenous engagement in Northern Ontario.
Follow Henwood Tree Farm to see Isabelle's latest project of providing quality Christmas trees in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario.
Sustainability in film production with Smiely Khurana
Lights! Camera! Climate Action! Film and Television are enjoyed by most of us with countless hours to watch, but there is a lot of waste that comes from creating that entertainment. Meet Smiely Khurana, a film producer, who is working as a Sustainability Lead with Creative BC, to discuss how she is helping change the film and television industry. We learn about her journey to becoming a producer, podcaster, and sustainability leader.
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Follow Smiely on social media @smielykhurana
Support her podcast @thesustainableact and blog
And check out Creative BC's ReelGreen™ free sustainability training courses
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Aaand cut! That's a wrap!
Finding your own green path
We're starting off our third season by brushing up on the basics and introducing you to our new host Madison. Join Madison as she gets to know more about green careers from some of the professionals who are shifting and shaping the industry.
Want to share an idea or question with us? Follow us on social media (@relayeducation) and send us a message. We'd love to hear from you!
And we're back for Season 3
From the powers that be, it's season three.
Join our new host, Madison, in exploring the green career paths that exist and those waiting to be discovered. Tune in to hear conversations with a wide range of industry professionals, whose insight and experience help us navigate the green economy.
This podcast is part of the Green Collar Careers program, brought to you by Relay Education. Relay Education, a Canadian charity, delivers youth-oriented programming about renewable energy, conservation, climate change, and green careers. Check out our website (relayeducation.com) and social media channels (@relayeducation) for more resources on how to start your green career!
Art for social change with Benjamin Von Wong
In The Green Chair with Benjamin Von Wong, an artist and photographer. In this episode, we discuss Benjamin’s career as an artist, photographer and sculptor and how he is on a mission to create art that amplifies positive social change. Benjamin creates complicated images and symbolic sculptures by combining everyday objects with shocking statistics to bring about awareness on topics such as ocean plastics and electronic waste. We learn about the role art and creativity play in solving complex environmental problems.
Leaving the oil and gas field with Stephen Buhler
In The Green Chair with Stephen Buhler, a journeyman machinist and community engagement officer for Iron+Earth.
In this episode, we discuss Stephen’s unique career journey. Stephen worked in the oil and gas industry as a journeyman machinist for the past 13 years and strives to transition fully into the renewable energy sector. We learn how Stephen uses his experiences as a former oil and gas worker to help other fossil fuel workers make the transition to working in renewables.
Becoming a Civil Engineer with Victor Do
In The Green Chair with Victor Do, a Civil and Water Resources Engineer. Victor has years of experience working on detailed planning and design of transportation and water infrastructure for municipalities, conservation authorities, and provincial bodies. In this episode, we talk about switching jobs during the pandemic, the winding road of careers and about the world of engineering.
Giving electric vehicle batteries a second life with Sumreen Rattan
In The Green Chair with Sumreen Rattan, the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at the clean-tech organization, Moment Energy. The British Columbia based startup creates sustainable energy storage systems by repurposing old electric vehicle batteries. Sumreen was recently named as one of Canada's Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders. In this episode, we discuss how Sumreen and her cofounders launched a start-up and how they're contributing to the circular economy.
Takeout food without the plastic with Julianna Greco
In The Green Chair with Julianna Greco, the Co-Founder and Head of Growth at Suppli, a technology-enabled platform that facilitates the use of reusable packaging across all channels that touch food. Julianna was recently named as one of Canada's Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders. We talk about Julianna’s experience working on a start-up and how she’s helping Toronto make the shift towards a plastic-free city.
More about Julianna: Before joining Suppli in late 2020, Julianna spent the previous two years at ME to WE, working with young social entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and community organizations to advance social justice initiatives within Canada. She also worked in two successful start-ups, where she gained invaluable experience growing a brand, customer base and business from the ground up. Julianna received a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology from the University of Western Ontario and is completing a business innovation certificate at the University of Toronto.
What is Environmental Law with Eugene Kung
In The Green Chair with Eugene Kung, a staff lawyer for West Coast Environmental Law. Eugene is committed to human rights and environmental justice. He has worked on social justice, anti-poverty and environmental law. We discuss Eugene’s career and his work opposing the Kinder Morgan TransMountain expansion project. We talk about how learning and working with Indigenous communities is pivotal in environmental law becoming more inclusive and holistic.
Building sustainable communities with Cheeying Ho
In The Green Chair with Cheeying Ho, the executive director of the Whistler Centre for Sustainability. She has over 20 years of experience in sustainable urban and community strategic planning for local governments, private sector clients, and non-profit organizations. We learn about Cheeying's career journey and we discuss how a strong vision and shared community goals can help build greener cities and more sustainable organizations.
How environments impact the way we think and feel with Dr. Lindsay McCunn
In The Green Chair with Dr. Lindsay McCunn, an Environmental Psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Vancouver Island University. We learn about Dr. McCunn's career journey and the basics of environmental psychology. We discuss how our built and natural environments impact human behaviour, productivity, eco-anxiety and more.
A story of science and the arts with environmental journalist Alanna Mitchell
In the Green Chair with Alanna Mitchell, an award-winning Canadian journalist, author and playwright who writes about intersections between science and society. We discuss Alanna's career as a science journalist and why she believes taking risks in life leads to a worthwhile story.
(DISCLAIMER: Audio quality was affected in the recording of the beginning of this episode, but does improve after the first questions. Thank you for listening).
Outdoor sports, tourism and sustainability with Nat Knowles
In the Green Chair with Natalie Knowles, an athlete, research coordinator and PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo. We talk about the ski industry and climate change, Nat’s research on eco-tourism and her work in different countries.
Sustainable investing: What is it and how to start investing with Tim Nash
In the Green Chair with Tim Nash, the founder of Good Investing. We discuss all things about sustainable investing. Learn about ESG, sustainability, impact investing, and sustainable finance. We talk about Tim's career path and why he believes the most important thing you can do with your money is to begin investing now.
Check out Tim's website https://www.goodinvesting.com Listeners can use code RELAY20 for 20% off the Introduction to Sustainable Investing course until Jan. 31.
Listen to Tim's podcast with the Toronto Star "Responsible Investing for a Sustainable Economy" https://open.spotify.com/show/0GaFXN1HDeJIlLAbv0pc7F?si=e2ffbb22a8334d90
Climate activism isn't a hobby with Allie Rougeot
In the Green Chair with Allie Rougeot, a Canadian climate justice activist, a Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader Canada, and is the Climate and Energy Program Manager for Environmental Defence. We talk about Allie's career path, what climate activism is and how you can adopt the role no matter your background or occupation.
This season on In the Green Chair
We are back! Tune in every other week to hear insights and tips from a range of professionals working in the green economy on how to get your green career started with your new host, Ana.
This podcast is part of the Green Collar Careers program brought to you by Relay Education. Relay Education is a Canadian charity that delivers renewable energy, environment and green careers programs for young people. Remember to check out our website, relayeducation.com and social media channels @relayeducation to find resources on how to start your green career.
What is Environmental Justice with Isaias Hernandez (Creator of QueerBrownVegan)
In the Green Chair with Isaias Hernandez an Environmental Educator and the creator of QueerBrownVegan, an Instagram page focused on accessible educational posts about environmental terms. Isaias grew up and lives in L.A., we talk about his career path, veganism, and environmental justice work.
https://www.instagram.com/queerbrownvegan
What is Food Justice with Kyla Pascal (Food justice advocate)
In the Green Chair with Kyla Pascal, a Métis, Black woman who works in food justice, sustainability and climate action from Edmonton, AB. Kyla is currently completing her post-graduate degree in Indigenous community planning in Vancouver, while working part-time for Indigenous Climate Action and launching a food zine. Learn about food justice, Kyla's food stories and her passion for bringing BIPOC people together to share meals.
Becoming a leader for gender equity with Megan Bennett (Communications Director)
In the Green Chair and the Becoming series by Efficiency Canada collaborated on this episode for International Women's Day. Our host Adeye is joined by the Becoming host, Kirstin Pulles, to speak with guest Megan Bennett. Megan is the Director of Communications for StepUp, a volunteer non-profit working to advance gender equity in the energy management industry. We talk about energy efficiency, gender in the workforce and how to support women in their careers.
What is package-free living with Kate Pepler (Business Owner)
In the Green Chair with Kate Pepler, Founder and CEO of The Tare Shop, Halifax's first package-free coffee shop and bulk store. This young entrepreneur started her own brick-and-mortar business with passion, research and a lot of hard work. Learn what package-free living is, and how she's designed her stores to be more accessible for the community.
Hydroponic farming and plant science with Molly Neave (Research Associate)
In the Green Chair with Molly Neave, a Research Associate at The Growcer. Learn about how hydroponic farming can address food insecurity, working as a researcher and Molly's story about transitioning from university into the work force.
Working in the trades and wind energy with Meredith Halfpenny (Wind Technician)
In the Green Chair with Meredith Halfpenny, a Wind Technician in Ontario. Learn about Meredith's determination and passion for working in renewables, and what it's like to work in the trades as a wind turbine technician.
Green buildings and construction with Melinda Zytaruk (Passive House Builder)
In the Green Chair with Melinda Zytaruk, General Manager of the Fourth Pig Green Construction and CEO of Tooketree Passive Homes. Learn about sustainable buildings at all stages of construction and how Melinda applies her passion for a sustainable future in the projects she builds.
Storytelling and cultural anthropology with Candace Campo (Business Owner)
In the Green Chair with Candace Campo, Co-Owner of Talaysay Tours, a First Nations Sechelt (shishálh) owned and operated eco tour company, with an emphasis on education in First Nations history and culture, art, ecological practices, and outdoor adventure. Learn about Candace's lifelong journey of being an educator, anthropologist and storyteller.
Ethical business and organic skin care with Patrice Mousseau (Conscious Entrepreneur)
In the Green Chair with Patrice Mousseau, owner and founder of Satya Organic - a natural, clean skin care company. Learn how she created her own skincare product to treat her daughter's eczema and grew it into an international business that upholds sustainable practices.
How we capture electricity with Shivani Chotalia (Manager of Engineering)
In the Green Chair with Shivani Chotalia, the Manager of Engineering and Community Partnerships at NRStor. Learn about energy storage, choosing to study Engineering, and how to find your dream job.
A circular economy with Lindsey Swartzman (Business Development Manager)
In the Green Chair with Lindsey Swartzman, the Business Development Manager at Terracycle Canada. Learn about circular economies, her journey to working in business, and how she helps companies divert their waste.
Civic action with Ontario's Green Party Leader, Mike Schreiner (Politician)
In the Green Chair is Mike Schreiner, Member of Provincial Parliament for Guelph and the Leader of Ontario’s Green Party. Learn about civic action, environmental advocacy, and what it’s like to work in Queen’s Park.
Protecting the wilderness with Katie Krelove (Environmental Campaigner)
In the green chair is Katie Krelove, the Ontario Campaigner for Wilderness Committee. Katie works to build relationships and advocate for wilderness preservation for the benefit of all in Ontario. Learn about Katie's personal journey to her current green job and more!
Running your own green business with Akil Mesiwala (Entrepreneur)
In the green chair is Akil Mesiwala, entrepreneur and founder of The Box of Life, a social enterprise that makes composting kits, so people can compost easily at home.
Learn how Akil is helping people divert food waste from landfill, how we can use this 'waste' as a resource and the story of how The Box of Life began.
Check out The Box of Life on www.instagram.com/the.box.of.life and https://www.theboxoflife.com/