Interview with Kids for Climate Action- Kate

This week, we spoke with Kate from Kids for Climate Action! This is our interview with her.

Tell us about your company

It is called Kids for Climate Action

-It is a youth organization that promotes sustainability

-An outreach to youth through politics, lobbying, etc.

An example of this is the 2013 provincial election campaign, where Kids for Climate Action promoted sustainability

-Tried to make climate change a bigger issue with political parties

-Getting more youth to vote

-They are currently working to bring awareness to the coal exports that are coming into British Columbia

When did this organization start?

-Started by Sophie Harrison in 2010 at the Copenhagen, conference summit

-Founded to engage youth

-This has escalated to where it is today in modern day

-There are 500 people following on Facebook, more on Twitter

-Thousands on the email list

Advice to join this non-profit

-Follow on Facebook and Twitter

-Volunteer opportunities get posted on there

-More of a high school group

-Not many college students but they can be advisers

What does sustainability mean to you?

-Grade 9- took an environmental studies course

-Wanted to make a further impact than just changing light bulbs

Do you see future in sustainability?

-Yes! Youth are becoming more empathetic

-Youth are really starting to care

Special thanks to Kate for taking part in this interview!

Interview with Hemlock Printers- Richard

We recently spoke with Richard from Hemlock Printers. This is our interview with him.

Tell us about your company

-          We are based in Burnaby and have been operating for 46 years

-          Our location is primarily in the Lower Mainland but we do have offices in Victoria

-          We also have locations along the Western United States (San Francisco, Seattle, etc) that account for a third of our sales

-          All businesses are in commercial printing

-          Founded by Richard’s father in 1968. It is a family business

What are some popular sustainable products and services that your company has?

-Within the last 8 years, there have been more sustainable products

-Started in sustainable/recycled papers

-Over time, grown our paper industry. 10% to 100% post-consumer content

-Paper side is big with sustainability

-Last 5 years, did carbon footprinting

-Did a full life cycle

-Got clients more involved with sustainability

What is your competition like?

-Lots of competition

-Lots of options for clients makes it difficult

-Environmental conscience provides an additional take and potential advantage to the company

-Have a good service model

-Adapted technology to get a step over the competition

What does sustainability mean to you?

-Looking at the reality of our lives on this planet

-Need to ensure health on life on earth

-Bring new products, services and stay innovative for sustainability

-Corporations and businesses should step up in the sustainability department

-Sustainability is also important for innovation going forward

-Very important for youth to get involved

What is some advice for youth who are looking to go into a similar field?

-Think independently and learn to apply your skills

-Be very open and honest with people

-Enjoy what they do

-Set short and long term goals for oneself

How does one go about working at Hemlock?

-Hemlock does have interns/new employees

-Generally come from Ryerson or BCIT

-Students can look for internships online or on job boards at school

-More of a specialization than a general degree.

Thanks to Richard for taking part in this interview!

Interview with Green Chair Recycling- Liliana and Nikki

We recently spoke with Liliana and Nikki of Green Chair Recycling. This is our interview with them.

Tell us a bit about your company?

-We are a for profit social enterprise

- We do recycling for such things as community events

-We also do consulting

-We take recycling to facilities and provide the events with a full report, and recycling after event.

-We have 100 different stations at these events and volunteers at each one

-We focus on four different aspects of waste management

1) Weigh all materials

2) Get feedback

3) send a report

4) waste audit

-We do this to give companies feedback on how much they use and recycle at events.

So you have volunteers? Tell us more about them?

-There is a community of volunteers at this company

-Teach volunteers, it’s spread through word-of-mouth

-All ethnicities are allowed to volunteer and all people who speak various languages are allowed as well.

So you said you are a for-profit social enterprise? Where do most of your profits come from?

-Most money is made from consulting of family businesses, other businesses, and municipalities industries

-This is mostly an educational support on recycling and more of a focus on residents in society

-There are outreach programs as well for free. This is to give back to the community (colleges, universities, conferences, etc) on how to achieve sustainability.

When did you guys start?

-In 2009

Is there any competition?

-No direct competition

-Do hire on contract

How do I get into a similar field?

-be passionate

-get community involved

-bring change, use sustainability

-don’t only worry about money

How do I join?

-volunteering, website, internships

-show drive and passion

-”stand out” from the crowd

-passion more important than education

What does sustainability mean to you?

Nikki:  Living in a way so future generations will enjoy same luxuries as today

Liliana- All about community (doing the right thing)

Is the green economy growing? 

-yes

-ones who participate, will get noticed

-need overall balance in life

Closing comments

-this industry needs to be seen to believed

-need to experience it

-do the right thing for you and be passionate in whatever you do!

Thanks to Liliana and Nikki for taking part in this interview!