Sustainability Stories
By Sustain SU at The University of Alberta Students' Union
Sustainability StoriesMar 09, 2022
Gardens, Bees, and COP28: An Interview with Steven Schultz
Steven Schultz is a teacher and leader of the EcoVision club at Lacombe Community High School (LCHS), which was recognized as a top 10 global school for environmental education by T4 Education.
In this episode, Schultz speaks about his experiences enabling students to channel their passion for the environmental into meaningful initiatives. He also speaks about his recent trip to COP28 with two students and the importance of youth voices on climate change.
Learn more LCHS EcoVision at their website.
Learn about the Decarbonize student manifesto presented at COP28 at Decarbonize.Me
Steven Schultz can be reached by email at steven.schultz@wolfcreek.ab.ca
How the Royal Ontario Museum Educates on Climate Change (with Soren Brothers!)
Soren Brothers (he/him) has had a unique career path that led him to serve as a bridge between the worlds of academia and public engagement on climate change. He is the Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. In this episode, Dr. Brothers shares what he's learned about balancing political activism with scientific research, the importance of local environmental policies, and how his career path unfolded.
Sustainable Development Goals: An Interview with Greg King
Greg King (he/him) has been an assistant professor at the Augustana Campus since 2018. With a Ph.D. in Climate Science and a Master's in Physical Geography, he teaches courses in Environmental Science related to biogeography and the human impact on the environment. His research covers a range of interests related to vegetation ecology. In this episode, Greg shares his perceptive perspectives on the impact and awareness of the SDGs in our society, the integration of sustainable action, and carbon sequestration.
The Three Pillars of Sustainability Series: Social (with special guest Robert Lipka!)
Listen in on our conversation with Robert Lipka as we discuss urban design! In this podcast episode, we explore the possible social, environmental, and economic impacts of urban design in Edmonton.
Robert is currently a principal urban designer at the City of Edmonton. In this role, Robert provides reviews in urban design, universal design & CPTED, and he has 6+ years of experience doing so! Robert also teaches a municipal planning course at the University of Alberta and in the past, worked as an urban planner in New Zealand. Robert’s role in urban planning, focused on community planning, transit urbanism, and universal design, strongly connects to the process of building a sustainable city.
Find Robert's contact information and the resources he shared with us here!
The Three Pillars of Sustainability Series: Economic
Join us as we cover the topic of economic sustainability *student’s edition* with tips and tricks to help you or a student you know stay financially stable. We will discuss budgeting and sources available to assist, financial literacy/education, working while being a student, and saving money/using discounts. Managing your money and setting financial goals are imperative to be financially stable in the long term.
Resources mentioned:
- Budgeting: Excel (free for students from OnTheHub!), Buddy app, and Notion.
- Student discounts: campusBRIDGE, use your ONEcard, and check out Facebook Marketplace for used textbooks!
The Three Pillars of Sustainability Series: Environmental
Join us as we discuss the amazing benefits active transportation has on the environment, our health, AND our bank account! Active transportation (human powered transportation such as walking and biking) is a key aspect of developing a sustainable community. This podcast episode also covers the experience of using active transportation as a student, how it compares to driving, and possible barriers to active transportation.
Green Tidings
Sustain SU proudly presents its first podcast of the academic year “Green Tidings” - right on time for the holidays! This episode will focus on sustainable holiday practices to keep in consideration as we shift gears from academia to the winter holidays. Topics we will cover in this edition include inclusive homemade gift ideas, sustainable spending habits, and cultural delicacies for the winter season.
Tune in to join our discussion about keeping sustainability relevant throughout the holidays!
Summer Dreaming
As we have recently transitioned to spring, the sun is finally starting to feel warmer and the snow is slowly melting here in Edmonton! In this episode, join us as we eagerly await summer and discuss the sustainable activities that can fit into our pre-existing plans. We hope this episode can help you through any final exam blues and get you thinking about the good that is yet to come!
Feelings of Change
In this episode, University of Alberta students reflect on change: “I think that is all I can say, we just feel very anxious as to what the future holds for us.” Join our conversation concerning our feelings associated with the back and forth between online and in-person classes and an evolving climate crisis. This episode touches on student safety and choices; eco-anxiety and its effects on communities within Canada and globally; and managing such emotions.
In this conversation we discuss heavy emotions, anxiety, and mention suicide and substance use. If you need support before or after listening, you can call the CMHA distress line at 780-482-4357. Or the Alberta Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.
Some resources and/or organizations mentioned in this episode include:
Campus Reflections (Part 2)
In episode three, University of Alberta students discuss how sustainability is incorporated into their respective faculties, how green initiatives are present in all aspects of life, and their perspectives on the continuation of these eco-objectives into the future.
Campus Reflections (Part 1)
In episode three, University of Alberta students discuss how sustainability is incorporated into their respective faculties, how green initiatives are present in all aspects of life, and their perspectives on the continuation of these eco-objectives into the future.
Lead by Example (Part 2)
We continue our discussion of sustainability goals and strategies used by students across Canada to accomplish those ideals, as well as their inspirations and ingenuity.
Follow the link to Lauren and Skye's blog, @moodyandskye to watch as they catalogue their sustainability journey: https://www.instagram.com/moodyandskye/
Francesca's podcast, The View From My Soapbox, on mental health, psychology, philosophy and everything in between can help you deal with eco-grief and much more (available anywhere you get your podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-view-from-my-soapbox/id1549425603
Lead by Example (Part 1)
Students involved in campus sustainability initiatives from across Canada come together to discuss their objectives, strategies, and projects related to their sustainable ventures. A big thank you to our guests - Samar Kauser, Lauren Moody, Skye Noh and Francesca Sivilotti - for their creativity, engagement and fantastic contributions to this discussion. (Part 1).
Start Here
Sustain SU student ambassadors discuss their sustainable beginnings, obstacles and inspirations moving forward.