Green Hearts in Action

In Episode 12 of Green Hearts in Action, we sit down with Andrew Knox, an environmental engineer and passionate community organizer with Transition Toronto, the local chapter of the global Transition Town movement.Andrew shares his journey from climate concern to community action—and how the Transition movement empowers neighborhoods to take climate solutions into their own hands. We talk about building local resilience, what a low-carbon, livable community could look like, and how small-scale projects—from fruit tree planting to district energy systems—can create ripple effects of sustainability and joy.This episode explores the real-world challenges of volunteer-powered work, the power of planting a single apple tree, and why creating change with your neighbors might just be the best hope we’ve got.Learn more about the Transition movement: transitiontoronto.org___Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. Follow us on social media for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntorontoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

In Episode 11 of Green Hearts in Action, we speak with John Cummings, longtime community leader and member of Friends of Cedarvale, a volunteer-driven group committed to preserving and protecting one of Toronto’s most beloved green spaces: the Cedarvale Ravine.John shares the story behind the group’s formation, the ecological and community value of Cedarvale, and why these kinds of local efforts are so critical in the fight against environmental degradation. From invasive species removal to hands-on restoration, Friends of Cedarvale is proof that passionate, grassroots action can have a lasting impact.We explore the challenges of urban conservation, the joy of community connection, and how even small actions can ripple outward when we care for the places we call home.Whether you’re a ravine walker, a native plant enthusiast, or someone looking to get more involved in your own neighbourhood, this episode offers both inspiration and practical next steps.🌱 Learn more: https://friendsofcedarvale.ca/___Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. Follow us on social media for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntorontoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

In Episode 10 of Green Hearts in Action, we sit down with Tim Murphy, a longtime volunteer and community advocate with Repair Café Toronto. This inspiring conversation explores how fixing broken items can be a powerful act of sustainability, connection, and resistance to consumer waste culture.Tim shares the origins of the global Repair Café movement, the unique hands-on format of Toronto’s local events, and how everyday people—regardless of experience—can learn to repair items from blenders to bikes. He also dives into the importance of the right to repair movement, the challenges of expanding community-based repair initiatives, and what it means to build a future where repair is part of everyday life.Whether you're a lifelong DIYer, a sustainability advocate, or someone looking to make small changes with big impact, this episode offers inspiration and practical tools to get started.Website: https://repaircafetoronto.ca/Event Calendar: https://repaircafetoronto.ca/upcoming-events/___Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. Follow us on social media for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntorontoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

In Episode 9 of Green Hearts in Action, we explore the transformative art of emotional interviewing with Vince Shutt, a facilitator and storyteller who brings depth, empathy, and authenticity to climate conversations.Vince takes us into the heart of what it means to truly listen—not just to words, but to the emotions, values, and human experiences beneath them. Through his work, Vince has helped communities, climate activists, and everyday people hold space for difficult but necessary dialogue in the face of ecological crisis and uncertainty.In this episode, Vince shares his techniques for emotional interviewing, why vulnerability is a strength in advocacy, and how we can all learn to connect more deeply through intentional conversation.Whether you’re a community organizer, activist, or simply seeking to engage more meaningfully in climate discussions, this episode offers tools and insights to help you foster connection, compassion, and courage.Follow Vince’s work and learn more:Email: vince@enviromentum.orgLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-schutt-70341b38/___Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. Follow us on social media for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntorontoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

In Episode 8 of Green Hearts in Action, we speak with Paul Mero, Executive Director of EcoSpark, a powerhouse in grassroots environmental education and citizen science in Ontario. For over 25 years, EcoSpark has been connecting people with nature through hands-on learning, advocacy, and action—engaging more than 100,000 students, teachers, and community members.Paul shares insights into the organization’s innovative programs that empower individuals to monitor ecosystems, take part in real scientific research, and become stewards of their local environment. We also get a glimpse into Paul’s personal journey—what drives his passion for sustainability, community, and collective climate action.Whether you're a teacher, student, environmentalist, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this episode will leave you inspired to make a difference in your own backyard.Follow EcoSpark to learn more:https://www.ecospark.ca/___Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. Follow us on social media for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntorontoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Krissan Veerasingam — lifelong Scarborough resident, community activist, and co-founder of the Scarborough Environmental Association (SEA). Krissan shares his journey from grassroots political canvassing with Progress Toronto to launching SEA, a local force for equitable environmental action in Toronto’s east end.Discover how his upbringing shaped his passion for repair culture, how SEA is using bike repair and pollinator planting events to bring people together, and why redefining “environment” is key to community building.Krissan’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts right at home. Tune in to hear how one resident’s vision is transforming Scarborough into a model of grassroots leadership, sustainability, and community care.Special Highlight: Krissan is the recipient of GNN’s 2025 Green Hearts Award — celebrating his outstanding contributions to environmental justice and community empowerment.Follow SEA to stay connected with their creative, action-packed journey: https://www.scarbenv.ca/___Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. Follow us on social media for more Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntorontoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/