Episode 43: Beyond the Lawn: Biodiversity Begins at Home.

Episode 43: Beyond the Lawn: Biodiversity Begins at Home.

In this episode of the Sustainably.eco podcast, host Ben Skene speaks with Kim Sutherland-Mills, a Master Gardener in Training with the 1000 Islands Master Gardeners, about one of North America's most familiar landscapes: the lawn. Together, they explore the surprising history of turfgrass lawns, from their roots in French aristocracy to their widespread adoption across suburban communities, and discuss the environmental impacts associated with maintaining traditional lawns. The conversation examines how conventional turfgrass affects biodiversity, pollinators, local wildlife, water use, and even our food systems. Kim also shares practical, accessible ways homeowners can begin transforming their outdoor spaces into thriving ecosystems. From incorporating native plants and supporting pollinators to embracing "meadowscaping," she explains how small changes can create healthier habitats while maintaining beautiful, functional landscapes. Whether you're looking to rethink your own yard or simply curious about the role our green spaces play in the environment, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical ideas for creating landscapes that benefit both people and nature. About the Guest:  Kimberly Sutherland Mills is a Master Gardener in Training with the 1000 Islands Master Gardeners.  A lifelong gardener, Kimberly has transformed her urban lot to grow food and to provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Her front yard was featured in Kingston’s 2025 Biodiverse Garden Tour. Keenly aware of the intertwined climate and biodiversity crises, and the impacts of colonization on local ecosystems, Kimberly is a passionate advocate for naturalization and native plant gardens. As a retired librarian, Kimberly understands that access to information is vital to decision-making and action. Volunteering as a Master Gardener allows her to engage in community education, supporting area residents who want to make the most of their garden spaces. In this episode of the Sustainably.eco podcast, host Ben Skene speaks with Kim Sutherland-Mills, a Master Gardener in Training with the 1000 Islands Master Gardeners, about one of North America's most familiar landscapes: the lawn. For listeners interested in learning more, Kim has also recommended a few excellent resources available through the Kingston Frontenac Public Library: * A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee: Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators by Lorraine Johnson, Sheila Colla, and Ann Sanderson * The Gardener's Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region by Rick Gray and Shaun Booth Learn more about living lawns and explore additional resources from the 1000 Islands Master Gardeners at https://www.1000islandsmastergardeners.ca/

Episode 42: Reel Change: How Ontario Green Screen Is Rewriting the Script on Sustainability

In this episode of the Sustainably.eco podcast, host Ben Skene speaks with Jessica Jennings [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-jennings-01943113/], Production Consultant, Environmental Services at the Ontario Film Commission / Ontario Creates, and lead of the Ontario Green Screen program. With over two decades of experience across film, television, and sustainability, Jessica shares how the industry is evolving to reduce its environmental footprint. They discuss the role of Ontario Green Screen in supporting sustainable production practices across the province, from reducing on-set waste to embracing circular approaches that rethink traditional filmmaking processes. Jessica offers insight into the real challenges productions face when implementing sustainability measures, along with practical solutions that are helping teams of all sizes make meaningful progress. The conversation also highlights the importance of engaging emerging filmmakers and building sustainability into the creative process from the start. Jessica emphasizes the power of education, collaboration, and industry-wide commitment in driving long-term change. Learn more about Ontario Green Screen and access resources for sustainable production at www.ontariogreenscreen.ca [https://www.ontariocreates.ca/filmcommission/ogs-about-us] . About the guest: Jessica Jennings is a seasoned producer, production manager, and sustainability leader with more than 22 years of experience across scripted, factual, and documentary filmmaking. She currently serves as Production Consultant, Environmental Services at the Ontario Film Commission / Ontario Creates, where she leads the Ontario Green Screen (OGS) program—an initiative that provides tools, training, and resources to help Ontario’s production industry adopt sustainable best practices. An environmentalist and impact producer, Jessica has worked as a sustainability consultant with Green Spark Group, supporting clients such as Disney and NHK. She has also played a key role in advancing industry dialogue as Production Manager of the Sustainable Production Forum in Toronto. Passionate about storytelling that drives change, her credits include work on environmental films such as Revolution and Sharkwater: Extinction, the CSA-winning documentary Toxic Beauty, and the CSA-nominated Meat the Future. She has also implemented sustainable practices on major productions, including MasterChef Canada and multiple feature films.

Episode 41: RXN Hub: Exploring the Intersection of Chemistry and Sustainability in Kingston

In this episode of the Sustainably.eco podcast, host Ben Skene [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-skene-0b129668/?originalSubdomain=ca] speaks with Morgan Lehtinen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganlehtinen/], the executive director of Reaction Hub [https://www.rxnhub.org/] (RXN Hub), about the intersection of chemistry and sustainability in Kingston. They discuss the role of Reaction Hub in supporting the commercialization of sustainable technologies, the importance of water treatment innovations, and the historical significance of their location. Morgan shares insights on building a community of innovators, trends in clean tech, and the challenges of scaling sustainable technologies. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, municipal support, and balancing local and global impact in the pursuit of sustainability. About the guest:  Morgan Lehtinen, PhD is an accomplished researcher, entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, educator and innovation consultant with 10+ years mobilizing chemical technologies in university and entrepreneurial ecosystems. As Executive Director of RXN HUB, Morgan leads a national coalition of start-up supporters to provide a first-of-its-kind near-net-zero facility and support system in Kingston; offering a home for cleantech ventures to pilot, demonstrate and manufacture their chemical technologies in service of a cleaner tomorrow. About the host:  Originally from Ottawa, Ben Skene moved to Kingston in August after graduating from Carleton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Humanities. He is passionate about digital storytelling and exploring how media can connect communities to sustainability and place.

Episode 40: Community, Climate, and Sustainability in Portugal

In this episode of the Sustainably.eco podcast, host Julia Stroud speaks with Bernardo Pereira, a mobility specialist from Lisbon's Energy and Environment Agency. They discuss the advancements and challenges in sustainability and climate action in Portugal, particularly focusing on mobility as a significant emitter of greenhouse gases. The conversation highlights the differences between Canadian and Portuguese climate policies, the successes of Lisbon in sustainability initiatives, and the importance of community engagement in driving change. Speaker Bio: Bernardo Campos Pereira  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-pereira-0305131/](Lisbon, 1970) sustainable mobility specialist at Lisboa E-Nova [https://lisboaenova.org/] - Lisbon Energy and Environment Agency since 2022. He holds a degree in architecture from the University of Waterloo, School of Architecture (1996 - Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), PhD from the University of Aveiro (2022) in Public Policy and has a vast experience in urban architecture and building projects, public space and sustainable mobility, with particular emphasis on active mobility and modal integration, including numerous projects carried out with various Portuguese municipalities and companies in the mobility and urban development sector. A big thanks to our volunteer Ben Skene [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-skene-0b129668/?originalSubdomain=ca] for researching and editing our last podcast of 2025!

Episode 39: Transforming Cities: The Role of Landscape Architecture with Chris Canning, Jonathan Loschmann, and Chris Landau

In this episode of the sustainably.eco podcast, host Julia Stroud discusses the importance of landscape architecture and nature-based solutions in creating sustainable cities, particularly focusing on Kingston. Guests Chris Canning, Jonathan Loschmann, and Chris Landau share insights on the role of technology, community engagement, and the economic and social benefits of green spaces. They explore practical solutions for individuals and businesses to implement landscape improvements and emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address climate resilience and urban planning challenges. Guest Speakers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-canning-37b352/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-canning-37b352/] Jonathan Loschmann, OALA, CSLA, LEED AP | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-loschmann-oala-csla-leed-ap-326bbb18/] Chris Landau | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislandau/] Additional Resources:  https://www.asla.org/ [https://www.asla.org/] https://www.csla-aapc.ca/about-csla/society [https://www.csla-aapc.ca/about-csla/society] https://www.canninggreenworks.com/ [https://www.canninggreenworks.com/] Toronto Green Standards: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/official-plan-guidelines/toronto-green-standard/toronto-green-standard-version-4/ [https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/official-plan-guidelines/toronto-green-standard/toronto-green-standard-version-4/] Green Roofs for Healthy Cities: https://www.greenroofs.org/ [https://www.greenroofs.org/] Ontario Association of Landscape Architects https://www.oala.ca/ [https://www.oala.ca/] Siteform Landscape Architecture: https://www.siteform.ca/ [https://www.siteform.ca/]