Connecting with nature starts with understanding that we aren’t separate from the natural world — we are part of it.

This week, I’m joined by Tim Christophersen, author of Generation Restoration and a leading global voice on ecosystem restoration, to talk about ecological literacy, our relationship with nature, and what it means to restore that relationship in our everyday lives.

We talk about what it actually means to be ecologically literate — knowing where our food and water come from, understanding the role nature plays in our communities, recognizing the species we share those spaces with, and beginning to see ourselves as part of those systems rather than separate from them.

We also look at what this means closer to home, including the potential of suburban yards and neighbourhoods, nature as infrastructure, community restoration, regenerative agriculture, and how ordinary people can participate in restoring the ecosystems around them.

And while the challenges facing the natural world are enormous, this is ultimately a hopeful conversation about agency, reciprocity, and why rebuilding our relationship with nature can change the way we approach sustainable living.

Takeaways

• What ecological literacy means and why we need to relearn it
• How the language we use can unconsciously reflect how we see nature
• What reciprocity can look like in our relationship with the natural world
• Why trees, wetlands, soil and other ecosystems are essential infrastructure
• How connecting with nature can begin right outside your own front door
• The role suburban yards, native plants and citizen science can play in ecosystem restoration
• Why community action and local policy matter
• Our shared belief that there is still so much reason to hope

One Small Shift

Get curious about one part of the natural world you encounter every day. Ecological literacy grows through curiosity and observation — and simply paying closer attention can begin to change our relationship with the living world around us.

Connect with Tim

LinkedIn
Website
Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship Crisis with Mother Nature

Related Blog Posts

Safe Nesting Materials for Birds

A Simple Framework for Climate Action

10 Sustainable Living Mistakes to Avoid

Related Episodes

Ep. 20: Wildlife Conservation, Birding, and Finding Hope in Nature

Ep. 51: Can You Be Sustainable in the Suburbs?

Ep. 54: Litter Prevention and Community Action with Keep America Beautiful

Support the show

Connect With Me

Website

Newsletter

Shop

Instagram

Support the Show

Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.