Green Hearts in Action

In Episode 13 of Green Hearts in Action, we meet Charles Lin, a retired environmental scientist and founder of Impact Net Zero, a volunteer-run initiative helping Canadians understand and take action on our path to a low-carbon future.Charles breaks down what “net zero” really means, why it's often misunderstood, and how both individual and collective action are essential in shaping meaningful climate solutions. Drawing on his background in both climate science and public service, Charles brings a clear, grounded, and hopeful voice to conversations that can often feel overwhelming.This episode touches on everything from policy and personal carbon footprints to the power of local conversations, citizen engagement, and simply choosing where we spend our money. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do, this one’s for you.Learn more about Impact Net Zero: https://impactnetzero.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 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 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/

Restoring Toronto’s natural areas is more urgent than ever, and in this episode, we spotlight the volunteer-powered work of Toronto Nature Stewards as they protect and revitalize one of North America’s largest urban green spaces. Spanning more than 11,000 hectares—an area comparable to the size of Paris—Toronto’s ravines support the well-being of over three million people, safeguard biodiversity, regulate critical water and nutrient cycles, and mitigate flooding and erosion risks. Unfortunately, these vital ecosystems face severe threats from invasive species, climate change, development, and litter.Join us for an in-depth conversation on how Toronto Nature Stewards combats these challenges by removing harmful plants, planting native species, clearing trash, and raising community awareness about the importance of ecological balance. Discover how hundreds of passionate volunteers unite across 42 sites to nurture healthy, self-sustaining urban habitats for current and future generations. Learn how you, too, can contribute to preserving Toronto’s ravines and embrace an active role in urban conservation. Tune in for a powerful reminder that every individual can make an impact, one natural area at a time.Find out more info about Toronto Nature Stewards here: https://torontonaturestewards.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 5 of the podcast, we speak with Rhonda from Toronto Urban Growers, a network of local food producers dedicated to scaling urban agriculture in Toronto. Rhonda shares her journey from social work to urban farming, emphasizing the community-building power of growing food. She discusses the challenges and successes of transforming public spaces, like Flemo Farms in Flemington Park, into thriving community gardens and farms. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, policy advocacy, and the vision for a more inclusive, sustainable food system. Rhonda also touches on the broader environmental and cultural impact of urban farming, including the integration of Indigenous, Black, and queer farmers into the movement. With a focus on hands-on community engagement, the episode encourages listeners to get involved, support local agriculture, and reimagine how urban spaces can be used to feed both the body and the soul.To find out more about this initiative, please check out:https://torontourbangrowers.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/