Join us as we explore how to build a sustainable future together with Sarah Patterson, president of Common Earth and Sustainable Orillia. In this insightful episode of the Behind the Village podcast, Sarah shares her journey from urban Toronto to the community-driven life in Orillia, highlighting how embracing sustainability and fostering support systems can drive meaningful change through the climate crisis. Climate change involves everyone.

Discover the work being done by Common Earth to promote systems thinking and post-carbon living, and learn about Sustainable Orillia's initiatives to inspire community involvement, from local events to conservation efforts. Sarah discusses actionable ways to address climate change, reconnect with nature, and build stronger, more inclusive communities in Simcoe County and beyond.

With valuable insights on how individual choices and collective action can make a difference, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about sustainability, local businesses, and creating a better future.

Common Earth

Website: https://commonearth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonearth_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0JvbqbdW3sA9pUhywk0-g

Sustainable Orillia

Website: https://sustainableorillia.ca/

Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/SustainableOrillia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainableorillia_yc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk9yZtF3VGFb3PPg6h95hlA

The Villager Magazine

Website: https://villagermagazine.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVillagerCommunityNews/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevillagermagazine/

Newsletter: https://villagermagazine.ca/subscribe/

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

00:24 - Sarah Patterson, President of Common Earth and Sustainable Orillia

02:35 - Importance of Community and Climate Change Connection

03:30 - Why Sarah Left Corporate Banking and Pursued Sustainability

06:23 - The Concept of Community in Modern Society

10:48 - Addressing Root Causes vs Symptoms of Crises

13:25 - Common Earth's Mission

20:24 - Systems Thinking Explained

25:07 - Connection Between Humans and Nature

27:20 - Choosing How to Respond Emotionally and Practically

30:08 - Sustainable Orillia Initiatives

37:48 - Identifying the Main Cause Behind Social and Environmental Issues

41:14 - Root Causes of Environmental Issues

43:00 - Challenging Societal Norms and Questioning Expectations

44:59 - Importance of Relationship and Learning from Indigenous Wisdom

46:16 - Accepting Nature’s Uncontrollability and Our Role in It

47:50 - Future Goals for Common Earth and Sustainable Orillia

51:20 - How to Get Involved