Sustainably Speaking: An SDG Podcast

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

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 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, 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 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.