Marilyn Nigro, the Program Coordinator for the Event Management and Tourism programs at Georgian College, shares her experience in Kenya with the CI Can project. In partnership with the College of the Rockies, the project aimed to develop a Tourism program at Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College in Kenya. The project focused on gender equity and offered female youth the opportunity to develop employability skills in the Tourism industry in Kenya. Marilyn also introduced active learning methods to the faculty there and witnessed the students' enthusiasm for experiential learning. The project has had a profound impact on both Georgian College and Maasai Mara College, and plans are underway for future collaborations and support.

About Colleges and Institutes Canada – Colleges and Institutes Canada (collegesinstitutes.ca)

College of the Rockies - College of the Rockies (cotr.bc.ca)

MAASAI MARA TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL COLLEGE (mmtvc.ac.ke)

In this episode, I had to opportunity to talk with Brooke Taylor from Trail Estate Winery. Brooke shares her background in sustainability and her journey from urban agriculture to winemaking. She discusses the sustainable practices implemented in the vineyard, such as no-till farming, cover crops, and geotextiles. Brooke also highlights the natural fermentation process used in winemaking and the creation of piquette from pressed grapes. She mentions the importance of composting and recycling in the winery's operations. Finally, Brooke shares her future goals, including implementing a rainwater catchment system and expanding community outreach.

Trail Estate Winery | Prince Edward County Winery & Vineyard

In this episode I sit down with Steven Hilborn, a faculty member at Georgian College and the head of maple syrup production on campus. Steven shares his journey into maple syrup production and how the tapping on campus began. He explains the process of making maple syrup, from tapping the trees to boiling down the sap. Steven also discusses different flavor options and varieties of maple syrup, as well as the potential for incorporating maple syrup production into curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing the environmental impact and discusses the effects of climate change on maple syrup production. The episode concludes with a discussion of the Maple Winter Festival and future plans for maple syrup production at Georgian College.

Vince Paquot and Julien Ross discuss their work in sustainability efforts in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation department at Georgian College. They talk about the campus garden, its origins, and its expansion over the years. They mention the types of crops grown, the soil building process, and student participation in the garden. The discussion covers topics such as drip irrigation systems, composting programs, and the introduction of pollinator gardens and no-mow zones. They also touch on the progress made with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this episode I speak with Mike and Melissa from Dirkwood Beekeeping Supplies. They discuss the background of their business, the services they provide, and their journey into beekeeping. They also talk about the process of honey extraction, managing hives on customer locations, and the challenges of winter hive management along with the ever-increasing interest in beekeeping.

Beekeeping Supplies – Derkwood Beekeeping Supplies

In this episode, I sit down with Georgian College Faculty Member, and the Coordinator of the new Business Agriculture Diploma Program, Paul Tarsitano. Paul shares that the program aims to bridge the gap between the business and practical science sides of agriculture, with a focus on sustainability and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program will incorporate hands-on experience and partnerships with community organizations. Paul shares insights from field trips to local farms, highlighting advancements in farming techniques and automation. The program will offer courses on sustainable farming, business, and core agricultural topics. Paul also discusses the importance of minimizing wastage and the potential for sustainable farm audits in the future.

In this episode, Alan Young, co-owner of Puzzle Partners, a branded content agency, discusses sustainability in the hotel and travel industry. We discussed the lack of promotion of sustainability initiatives on hotel websites and the need for reporting on these efforts. Alan emphasized the importance of utilizing solar panels and other effective sustainability measures. We also explored the role of internal accountability and the need for sustainability officers in organizations. The conversation concluded with a call to action for individuals to take on a sustainable development goal and start small to make a difference.

Home - Puzzle Partner Branded Content Agency

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jette Bourne, the director of Bourne Principles, a sustainability consulting firm. We talked extensively about the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the importance of taking small steps towards sustainability, both as individuals and as organizations. We also discussed the role education plays in achieving the SDGs and the progress and challenges we face in meeting these goals. Throughout our discussion, Jette shared valuable insights on how to overcome barriers to sustainability and stressed the importance of partnerships and reporting in tracking our progress. Our conversation ended with a focus on the need for stakeholder engagement and the crucial role of mandated reporting and accountability in achieving a sustainable future.

https://www.bourneprinciples.ca/

In this episode, Karl Brown discusses his background in waste management and sustainability. He shares insights on waste audits, recycling programs, and the importance of measurement in waste reduction efforts. Karl also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the need for including environmental criteria in decision making and the role of government incentives and mandates. He emphasizes the importance of de-manufacturing and controlling inputs to reduce waste.

In this episode I talk with Janette O'Neill Scott about Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and its connection to sustainability. Janette shares her experience with COIL and International Virtual Education and Learning (IVEL), highlighting the organic learning process and the benefits for students, faculty, and institutions. She discusses the partnerships she formed with an Irish school and the evolution of the project into a COIL initiative. Janette explains how students worked on sustainability projects related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shares examples of their innovative solutions. She also addresses the challenges of sustainable goal development and emphasizes the importance of incorporating sustainability into education. Janette envisions a future where International Virtual Education and Learning is a fundamental part of the learning community and where sustainability competencies are valued in the workforce.