Sustainably Speaking: An SDG Podcast

Marilyn Nigro - Empowering Female Youth in Kenya

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) [https://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/about/] College of the Rockies - College of the Rockies (cotr.bc.ca) [https://cotr.bc.ca/] MAASAI MARA TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL COLLEGE (mmtvc.ac.ke) [https://mmtvc.ac.ke/]

Brooke Taylor - Sustainability Champion

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 [https://trail-estate.myshopify.com/]

Steven Hilborn - For the Love of Maple Syrup

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 - Cultivating Sustainable Change in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation

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).

Michael der Kinderen and Melissa Greenwood - Derkwood Beekeeping

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 [https://derkwoodbeekeepingsupplies.ca/]