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 Topics

• 01:00 - The origins of ARMA and Alberta's early leadership in recycling
• 12:06 - Milestones in environmental impact
• 15:33 - Innovations in recycling, such as renewable energy components and AI-powered sorting systems
• 22:58 - Alberta’s ongoing role as a national leader in sustainable waste management

Guest

Ed Gugenheimer

Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Recycling Management Authority

Resources Mentioned

• Learn 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 Foundation
• Twitter: @AlbertaEmerald
• Instagram: @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 action
• 04:16 - Alberta-based examples of indigenous-led environmental stewardship
• 08:06 - The role of community in successful environmental initiatives
• 11:37 - Strategies for building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities
• 16:18 - Empowering Indigenous youth to become leaders in environmental stewardship

Mackenzie 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.

Books:

• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Mother Earth Plants for Health & Beauty: Indigenous Plants, Traditions, and Recipes by Carrie Armstrong

Podcasts:

• Unreserved (CBC)
• The Secret Life of Canada (CBC)

Organizations:

• Future Ancestors
• Indigenous Youth Roots
• We 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 Foundation
• Twitter: @AlbertaEmerald
• Instagram: @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 province
• Environmental risks of orphan wells
• Estimated cost to clean up Alberta’s orphan wells
• Orphan Well Association
• Municipal Climate Change Action Centre
• St. Mary River Irrigation District
• RenuWell 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 Foundation
• Twitter: @AlbertaEmerald
• Instagram: @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.