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This season, we’ve talked about rescuing surplus food, redistributing it to communities, and even turning it into clean energy. But what about the scraps, spoiled produce, bones, peels, and leftovers that can’t be saved? In this episode, Bri sits down with Brian Wonnacott, superintendent at AltRoot, a composting facility in Westlock that transforms organic waste into a valuable resource for local farms. Brian breaks down how industrial composting works, why microbes are the real stars of the show, and how composting helps reduce methane emissions, support regenerative agriculture, and build a truly circular local economy. Resources AltRoot’s End-to-End Tracability toolHow to compost at home About the Podcast The What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity dedicated to accelerating environmental excellence across Alberta. Learn more about the AEF Thank You to Our Sponsors Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

What if every community could rescue its food waste — and feed its neighbours at the same time? In Lacombe, Alberta, Echo Food Rescue is proving it’s possible. Since 2020, this volunteer-driven program has saved nearly one million pounds of food from the landfill, redirecting it to farms and families across their community. In this episode, we sit down with Christina Sturgeon, program coordinator at Echo Food Rescue, to talk about how the initiative began, what it takes to keep it running, and the powerful role community collaboration plays in fighting food waste.  Learn more about Echo Food Rescue: https://www.echofoodrescue.com/ – The What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity dedicated to accelerating environmental excellence across Alberta. Learn more about the AEF Thank You to Our Sponsors: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

Food waste isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s an economic one. In this episode, we sit down with Esther Cohn from Flash Food, a Canadian-founded tech company that rescues groceries destined for landfill and offers them to shoppers at a discount. Discover how Flash Food is making sustainable shopping simple, saving families money, helping grocers cut waste, and preventing over 150 million pounds of food from ending up in landfills. We’ll talk about how the idea came to life, how the app works, and why making sustainability affordable might be the key to lasting change. Listen to learn: How Flash Food connects shoppers with discounted groceries nearing their best-before dateThe environmental and economic impact of rescuing food wasteWhy accessibility and affordability are essential to sustainabilityHow changing our mindset about “waste” can help us all make a difference Download the Flash Food app and start saving money and food today https://flashfood.com/?showgettheapp=true – The What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity dedicated to accelerating environmental excellence across Alberta. Learn more about the AEF Thank You to Our Sponsors: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

By transforming leftover food into low-emission energy, Eco Growth Environmental is helping businesses heat water, power equipment, and cut food waste in landfills — all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, we explore how their made-in-Alberta technology works, the impact it’s having, and where it could take us next. What’s in this episode: 03:36 - How Eco Growth Environmental’s system transforms food waste into a usable energy source07:57 - Why methane reduction is critical to achieving net-zero goals10:27 - The environmental and economic benefits of waste-to-energy technology15:56 - How this innovation is reaching remote communities in the Arctic and beyond Resources: Learn more about Eco-Growth EnvironmentalGet a firsthand look at how their technology works The What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity dedicated to accelerating environmental excellence across Alberta. Learn more about the AEF Thank You to Our Sponsors: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

When we talk about food waste, most of us picture what ends up in our own kitchen bins — but there’s a whole other side to the story. Across Alberta, small businesses like cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores face big challenges when it comes to keeping food out of the landfill. In this episode, Bri speaks with Maggie Bain, Project Manager of the ICI Food Waste Diversion Initiative at the Circular Innovation Council, about a pilot program in Strathcona County and Westlock that’s helping small businesses keep food out of landfills. Together, they unpack how the project worked, what made it successful, and the impact it’s already having — from reducing methane emissions to inspiring long-term change in local communities. Listen to learn: Why it’s so hard (and costly) for small businesses to divert food wasteHow collaboration between local governments, haulers, and processors made it possibleThe impressive results — including nearly 90,000 kg of organics divertedWhat this means for Alberta’s circular economy and the future of food waste solutions Learn more about The Circular Innovation Council’s Commercial Waste Diversion Pilot The What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity dedicated to accelerating environmental excellence across Alberta. Learn more about the AEF Thank You to Our Sponsors: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

The impact of food waste goes far beyond what ends up in our green bins or landfills. It affects our climate, our wallets, and our communities from wasted water and emissions to economic loss. In part two of our conversation with Dr. Kate Parizeau, we are talking about why food waste matters and what can actually be done about it - from policy and infrastructure changes to simple actions we can all take at home. Resources: Second Harvest and Value Chain Management International report - The Avoidable Crisis of Food WasteFood insecurity among Canadian families (StatsCan)The Seed (Guelph, ON)Echo Food Rescue (Lacombe, AB)Circular Innovation Council The What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity dedicated to accelerating environmental excellence across Alberta. Learn more about the AEF Thank You to Our Sponsors: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

Food waste is everywhere, from farms to our own kitchens, but what does it actually mean, and why is it so hard to track? In the first episode of Season 7, host Bri Huot-Boer speaks with Dr. Kate Parizeau from the University of Guelph to unpack the basics: what food waste is, where it happens, and why Canada is still struggling to measure it. This conversation sets the stage for our season-long focus on food waste and the solutions that can make a difference! Resources: Second HarvestThe Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste (2024)National Zero Waste CouncilCircular Innovation Council The What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity dedicated to accelerating environmental excellence across Alberta. Learn more about the AEF Thank You to Our Sponsors: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

For over 30 years, the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, diverting millions of tires, litres of oil, and other materials from landfills. Joining us in this episode is Ed Gugenheimer, CEO of ARMA, to discuss the province's leadership in recycling, the evolution of ARMA's programs, and what the future holds for Alberta’s circular economy. Key Topics01:00 - The origins of ARMA and Alberta's early leadership in recycling12:06 - Milestones in environmental impact15:33 - Innovations in recycling, such as renewable energy components and AI-powered sorting systems22:58 - Alberta’s ongoing role as a national leader in sustainable waste management GuestEd Gugenheimer Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Recycling Management Authority Resources MentionedLearn more about ARMA and its programs: albertarecycling.ca The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

Indigenous people are the original stewards of the land and have an important role to play in our collective response and action to a changing climate. In this episode we’re diving into the importance of reciprocity, the role of Indigenous knowledge in modern stewardship, and the significance of empowering Indigenous youth to lead future environmental initiatives.  Key Topics 01:24 - Indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship and climate action04:16 - Alberta-based examples of indigenous-led environmental stewardship08:06 - The role of community in successful environmental initiatives11:37 - Strategies for building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities16:18 - Empowering Indigenous youth to become leaders in environmental stewardship GuestMackenzie Brown Mackenzie is an Indigenous singer, drummer, storyteller, knowledge seeker, songwriter, artist, and Cree cultural ambassador. Mackenzie is also First Nations Cree from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, though she currently live in Mohkinstsis, Calgary. Resources MentionedBooks: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererMother Earth Plants for Health & Beauty: Indigenous Plants, Traditions, and Recipes by Carrie Armstrong Podcasts: Unreserved (CBC)The Secret Life of Canada (CBC) Organizations: Future AncestorsIndigenous Youth RootsWe Matter The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by...

Alberta is facing a growing challenge with over 170,000 abandoned oil wells across the province, creating environmental risks and economic burdens for rural communities. RenuWell Energy Solutions is addressing this issue by converting these orphan well sites into community solar projects that generate clean energy and support rural communities. Keith Hirsche, founder of RenuWell, joins host Bri to explain how this innovative approach works, the positive impacts on Albertan communities, and what it means for Alberta’s renewable energy future. Key Topics: Understanding orphan wells (01:33) and their environmental and economic impact (05:31)RenuWell’s journey to repurpose orphan wells for solar energy (07:58)Social, economic, and environmental benefits of the RenuWell Project (18:00)The path forward (21:00) Guest: Keith Hirsche, Founder of RenuWell Energy Solutions Resources Mentioned: 170,000 abandoned oil wells in the provinceEnvironmental risks of orphan wellsEstimated cost to clean up Alberta’s orphan wellsOrphan Well AssociationMunicipal Climate Change Action CentreSt. Mary River Irrigation DistrictRenuWell Energy Solutions The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

Alberta’s first industrial-scale waste-to-energy facility with carbon capture integration is set to open in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland in 2027. This innovative project will divert over 150,000 tonnes of Edmonton’s residential waste from landfills each year while capturing carbon emissions and generating alternative energy. Rory Wheat, Vice President of Development at Varme Energy, explains how this innovative technology works and its long-term social, environmental, and economic impacts on Edmonton and Alberta. Key Topics: Introduction to Varme Energy and its mission (01:08)How waste-to-energy technology works (02:33)The environmental benefits of waste-to-energy with integrated carbon capture (05:38)Details of the Alberta Industrial Heartland project and partnership with the City of Edmonton (07:22)Long-term impact on waste management, energy production, and job creation in Alberta (13:19)The role of waste-to-energy in Alberta’s transition to a low-carbon future Guest: Rory Wheat - Vice President of Development at Varme Energy Resources Mentioned: Varme Energy websiteIndustrial Heartland Project The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary

As our landscapes have changed over the years, coyotes have adapted to thrive in urban environments, creating unique challenges and opportunities for coexistence. In this episode, Dr. Colleen Cassady St. Clair unpacks why coyotes are so prevalent in our cities, discusses the challenges of living alongside them, and shares strategies for avoiding conflicts and interactions with these adaptable creatures. Key Topics: The evolution of Alberta’s landscapes and its impact on wildlifeThe adaptability of coyotes in urban settingsCommon challenges arising from human-coyote interactionsEffective strategies and management techniques for reducing conflicts with coyotesThe role of public education in promoting coexistence Guest: Dr. Colleen Cassady St. Clair, Biological Sciences Professor at the University of Alberta Resources Mentioned: 87.7% of Albertans reside in ‘Urban Municipalities’, including cities, towns, villages, summer villages, and specialized municipalitiesCalgary and Edmonton’s changing landscapesThe negative effects of land use changes on wildlifeEdmonton Urban Coyote Project websiteThe Urban Wildlife Information NetworkHow to avoid and prevent conflict with coyotes The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, and City of Calgary.

Episode Summary: Explore the environmental impact of demolition waste and how one Alberta-based company is tackling this issue by reclaiming valuable wood from buildings before they get demolished. Jay Sanderson, founder of Backroads Reclamation, shares he’s repurposing old-growth wood, reducing waste, and honoring Alberta’s architectural heritage. Discover the unique benefits of reclaimed wood and how it plays a vital role in sustainable development. Key Topics: The environmental impact of demolition wasteThe difference between old-growth reclaimed wood and new timberThe process and challenges of reclaiming wood from demolished structuresThe historical and environmental value of preserving Alberta’s architectural heritageThe future of the reclaimed wood industry in Alberta Guest: Jay Sanderson, Founder and Owner of Backroads Reclamation Resources Mentioned: Backroads Reclamation’s WebsiteEnvironment and Climate Change Canada's National Waste Characterization Report The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, and City of Calgary.

In this episode of What On EARTH Can We Do?, host Bri chats with Pam Goertzen, Executive Director of the Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA), about the critical role of sustainable building practices in Alberta's path to a low-carbon future. With Alberta’s rapid population growth fueling demand for new buildings, Pam discusses how the construction industry can innovate to meet the challenge of building fast, affordable, and low-carbon homes without compromising sustainability. They also explore the economics of green building, the importance of operational efficiency, and the potential for groundbreaking materials like recycled plastic to reshape the way we build. Join us for an insightful discussion on how Alberta can lead the way in building sustainable, resilient communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Key Topics: Alberta's population growth and the demand for new buildingsThe environmental impact of the building sector and green building initiativesChallenges and opportunities in sustainable building practicesEconomic considerations for developers and homeownersInnovative materials and design strategies to reduce carbon emissionsThe long-term benefits of energy-efficient homes for both the environment and occupants Guest: Pam Goertzen – Executive Director of the Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA) Resources Mentioned: Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA)Canada Green Building CouncilEcoplast Solutions Alberta's population growthCanada's population growthGreenhouse gas emissions from buildings The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationLinkedIn: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmeraldFacebook: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, and City of Calgary.

Join Bri as she explores the innovative Calgary Willow Plantation project with Catalina Nadeau-Bonilla, shedding light on the fascinating intersection of wastewater treatment, biosolids utilization, and environmental sustainability. The conversation delves into the details of the project, its impact on marginal lands, and the myriad benefits it brings to the city of Calgary.  Learn more about The City of Calgary’s Willow Plantation: https://www.calgary.ca/water/programs/biosolids-demonstration-projects.html The What On EARTH Can We Do? Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity that showcases, inspires, and empowers Alberta’s environmental achievements. To learn more about the AEF, visit our website, https://emeraldfoundation.ca/, or follow us on social media @albertaemerald A big thank you to our supporters and sponsors: Capital Power Syncrude Government of Alberta City of Edmonton Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation Want to help keep this podcast going? Donate today! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/