This week we’re celebrating the difference that can be made when a regional government supports its people and businesses in taking climate action. Get inspired by impactful local initiatives in Muskoka, Ontario, like:the Climate Hero Program, which awards individuals and businesses Bronze, Silver, and Gold rankings for the climate-friendly actions they take (including planting a pollinator garden!)the Muskoka EnvironHub website packed with resourcesthe Muskoka GeoHub, an online web mapping portal featuring floodplain mapping, real-time water levels, shoreline videos, and morea Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Planand, importantly, a Corporate Greenhouse Gas Initiative since the onus for change cannot be on residents alone.Our guest, Lauren Saville, is the Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator in Muskoka. Her work takes her into the heart of a cottage-country community where “the environment is the economy and the economy is the environment.” She helps residents understand how the changing climate is impacting their wallets and ways of life, and offers them opportunities to make real change. She gives presentations to schools and to the public, inspiring and equipping them to take action in their own lives. And she’s involved with a huge range of initiatives that make life better for people AND the planet. Listen now and get motivated by the interconnectedness of environment, economy, and community well-being. Access Muskoka’s excellent community resources:The Climate Hero Program: https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/climate-heroesThe Muskoka EnviroHub: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/environment/EnviroHub.aspxUpcoming Outreach and Education Events with Lauren: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/environment/outreach-and-education.aspx The Muskoka GeoHub: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/environment/maps.aspx segment? Email us, reach out over social media, or get Q&A priority by supporting us on Patreon. Discord: https://discord.gg/K6wF9dY4Ja Bluesky: @plantsalwayswin.com TikTok: @plantsalwayswinpodcast YouTube: @plantsalwayswinpodcastWebsite: www.plantsalwayswin.com CreditsWebsite Design and Illustration by Sophia AlladinIntro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/when-my-ukulele-playsLicense code: GWOIMMBAS15FG6PHTimestamps00:50 Introducing Lauren Saville, Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator02:20 Tackling Climate Change at the Community and Corporate Levels06:43 Insurers are Motivated to Mitigate Climate Change07:51 How the Community Responds09:37 Climate Complacency: When Nature's Beauty Backfires11:10 Sean Joins the Climate Hero Program15:04 Lauren's Community and School Talks18:58 Pollinator Plants, Shoreline Greening, and Love Your Lake23:30 Partnering with Other Organizations Drives Change!25:48 What Is a Watershed?27:03 What Lauren Loves About her Job32:15 Love for Muskoka, Love for Nature33:55 Lauren's Home Garden Projects35:15 Find Muskoka's EnviroHub and Stewardship Outreach36:22 We Can All Make Change38:25 Outro and Contact Us
