Welcome to Episode 6 of the SDG in Action Podcast, hosted by Megan Grace Halferty, Sustainability Coordinator of UN Global Compact Network Canada. This episode features Jane Zhang, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of ETCH Sourcing, and Nazifa Rahman, Operations and Sustainability Specialist at ETCH Sourcing. Together, we dive into the role of sustainable procurement in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 12: Responsible Consumption And Production and Goal 17: Partnerships For The Goals.

In a world facing geopolitical conflicts, environmental crises, and elevated regulatory demands, sustainable procurement is the next generation of the procurement industry. It represents an industry evolution toward reducing environmental footprints and upholding ethical labour standards. Jane Zhang and Nazifa Rahman introduce how ETCH Sourcing helps companies set sustainability goals and translate them into measurable procurement actions. They also share insights on navigating the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act and leveraging strategic partnerships for greater impact. This episode is packed with valuable knowledge, from the use cases of generative AI to ETCH Sourcing’s open-source Sustainable Procurement Database, a treasure trove of actionable blueprints and free resources to make your supply chain more sustainable. Tune in and get inspired to advance your responsible procurement journey!

Additional Resources:

• 2030 targets for Goal 12
• 2030 targets for Goal 17
• Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act
• Emissions Reduction Plan
• ETCH Sustainable Procurement Database
• UN Global Compact Network Canada

Tune in to Episode 5 of the SDG in Action Podcast with Elizabeth Dove and Tim Faveri, VP of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations at Nutrien. Join us to explore sustainable food systems and their impact on advancing Goal 2 - Zero Hunger, Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, and Goal 13 - Climate Action, both in Canada and on a global scale.

With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the imperative for food security intensifies amidst the challenges of conflict and inflation. Agriculture faces mounting pressure to produce more with fewer resources. In this episode, Tim shares Nutrien’s collaborative efforts with value chain actors, pioneering solutions in food security, water retention, digital innovations, and sustainable agricultural practices for future generations. He also introduces a suite of strategies, initiatives, tools, and partnerships designed to increase crop yields and contribute to the advancement of environmental sustainability. This episode is an essential resource for professionals, companies, and organizations to understand the intricacies of sustainable food systems and harness the transformative potential of innovation and collaboration in achieving the Global Goals.

Additional Resources:

• 2030 targets for Goal 2
• 2030 targets for Goal 6
• 2030 targets for Goal 13
• Nutrien SDG Impact Assessment Report
• Nutrien ESG Report
• The Radicle Inclusion Challenge by Nutrien
• Farmer 2050
• Forward Faster 2030

Dive into a journey of sustainability, health, and well-being with the latest episode of the SDG in Action Podcast, hosted by Megan Grace Halferty (she/her), Sustainability Coordinator, at the UN Global Compact Network Canada. Sponsored by Element Fleet Management, this episode shed light on Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being, delving into the realms of corporate culture, employee well-being, community building, and DEI advancement, particularly in the context of Canada.

This episode features Shawna Ketter, Senior Director of ESG and Culture at Jamieson Wellness, who shares firsthand insights into her efforts to promote universal health and well-being, a cause with profound significance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, she introduces a series of strategies, policies, initiatives, and measurement tools to track and improve the well-being, engagement, and inclusion of the company and its supply chains. This episode is a roadmap for professionals and organizations eager to accelerate their well-being and DEI journey, empowering them to enhance Goal 3 in their own spheres. Tune in and discover practical guidance and fresh insights to make a substantial impact on implementing the Global Goals and move forward faster towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Additional Resources:

• 2030 targets for Goal 3
• Working from home: Productivity and preferences - Stats Canada, 2021
• Jamieson’s ESG Policy - 2022
• Jamieson’s DEI Policy - 2022
• Forbes - Quiet Quitting - 2023
• Conscious Quitting - Linkedin Article - 2023

Embark on a journey of sustainability and innovation with the latest episode of the SDGs in Action Podcast, hosted by Megan Grace Halferty (she/her), Sustainability Coordinator, at the UN Global Compact Network Canada. Sponsored by Element Fleet Management, this episode shines a spotlight on Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, delving into the realms of affordable energy, industry innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable communities, especially within Canada's unique landscape.

This episode welcomes Dr. Michael Wrinch, founder and president of Hedgehog Technologies, who shares his experience in implementing sustainable practices in challenging environments. The discussion offers an enriching exploration of renewable energy resilience, indigenous reconciliation, and community-driven technological transformations. It also highlights the unique challenges and innovative solutions being implemented in indigenous communities, underscoring the importance of cultural sensitivity and collaboration in sustainability efforts.

Designed for businesses and individuals passionate about contributing to a sustainable future, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, innovative solutions, and inspiring stories. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Global Goals in action and how they pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive tomorrow.

Additional Resources:

• Targets for Goal 7
• Targets for Goal 9
• Targets for Goal 11
• Sustainable Jobs Act
• Sustainable Jobs Action Plan
• UN Principle of “Leave No One Behind”
• Fort Severn Solar Farm Project
• Haida Gwaii Solar Farm Project
• Backup power storage for an End-of-the-line School in BC

Dive into a critical exploration of our oceans with host August Wichert (he/him), the Environment and Climate Sustainability Lead at the UN Global Compact Network Canada, in this insightful episode of the SDG in Action Podcast. Proudly sponsored by Element Fleet Management, this episode takes you deep into Goal 14 - Life Below Water, highlighting the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution and its interconnections with other key Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 1 - Poverty Reduction, Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production.

Discover the far-reaching impact of plastic waste on our marine ecosystems as the podcast navigates through a variety of global initiatives that are tackling this escalating crisis.

We're honoured to have David Katz (he/him), the founder of Plastic Bank, as our special guest. David brings to the table his groundbreaking approach to ocean plastic pollution, offering not just a remedy for the environment but also vital support for impoverished communities, advocating the principles of a circular economy for a sustainable future.

Join us on this journey that intersects environmental health with societal welfare, underscoring the vital role of community involvement in addressing global challenges. Together, let's explore the paths towards creating a better, more sustainable tomorrow.

This episode is sponsored by Element Fleet Management. Their comprehensive approach, extending from vehicle procurement to fleet electrification, exemplifies their commitment to environmental sustainability. By significantly reducing fleet emissions, enhancing diverse supplier programs, and improving fleet safety, Element Fleet Management is actively contributing to a greener future.

Additional Resources:

Plastic bag backlash gains momentum

From birth to ban: A history of the plastic shopping bag

How marine plastic pollution impacts countries that rely on tourism

Marine Plastic Pollution

5 of the biggest threats to our oceans, and how we can solve them

Legal Limits on Single-Use Plastics and Microplastics: A Global Review of National Laws and Regulations

Kenya banned plastic bags 6 years ago, but they are still in use - what went wrong

The long war against plastic carrier bags

Has Kenya's plastic bag ban worked?

In the premiere episode of the SDG In Action Podcast Series hosted by the UN Global Compact Network Canada, join our host, Megan Grace Halferty (she/her), Sustainability Coordinator, at the UN Global Compact Network Canada, as she engages in a stimulating discussion on Goal 5: Promoting Gender Equality with Brittany Gataveckas (she/her), Social Sustainability Manager of the UN Global Compact Network Canada.

Together, they delve into the rationale behind integrating gender equity into organizations, highlighting the imperative of diverse gender representation, including trans and non-binary individuals. Uncover invaluable insights on enhancing corporate culture and discover actionable steps that businesses and individuals alike can undertake to foster gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

This Podcast series is sponsored by Element Fleet Management, the global leader in fleet solutions. Their holistic approach spans from vehicle procurement to fleet electrification. Committed to paving the way for a greener tomorrow, they've been instrumental in cutting down fleet emissions, bolstering diverse supplier programmes, and heightening fleet safety.

Additional resources:

• SDG 5: Promoting Gender Equality
• 13 ways that businesses can foster more gender-inclusive company cultures - Forbes, 2020
• Research study: Trans, non-binary, gender fluid and non-conforming gender identities in the workforce - Harvard Business Review, 2020
• Women and Gender Equality Canada: Accelerating Systemic Change: The Case For Gender Equality Leadership For Sustainable Recovery
• 50 - 30 Challenge project: The Future is Equal: Enabling Ecosystems of Support in Canada
• Accenture’s Diversity Index
• “Equality Champions''
• EI in Canada - Maternity Benefits and Parental Benefits
• women still take almost twice as much parental leave as men - Stats Canada, 2021
• Canada Census Data - 2022
• report on Diversity Disclosure Practices - Osler, 2022
• Women in STEM - Randstad Employment Agency
• Trans Day of Visibility in 2021 - Simon Fraser University