On November 16, my colleague, Director of Communications Anouk Bertner, and I attended the Women in Leadership Green Works Conference held at the Crowne Plaza in Ottawa. This was an exciting opportunity for us to engage with other local women from various environmental sectors, government, non-government, private sector, corporation, and academia, in conversations relating to our field, exhibit information on The Natural Step, and for Anouk to provide insight on a panel of green professionals. 

One of the more thought provoking comments made during the day came from Jen Hunter, the moderator for the event, and by trade the vice president of Equal Voice, a Professor at Algonquin College, and a Green Party Candidate for the Ottawa Centre area. She made the point that often times “our knowledge tends to get trapped within us or below us”. Meaning that we rarely have a problem sharing what we know, or challenging an argument, when the individual is someone we deem “inferior”- a subordinate at work, a younger sibling or youth, a colleague in a different department. However, why is it that we assume that those with more impressive titles such as CEO, Prime Minister, Executive Director, etc have all the answers? 

During the luncheon panel a seemingly straight forward question was asked by a bright eyed, high school aged, girl in the crowd; “what is sustainability”? There were a few chuckles around the room as everyone considered the response they would have given this eager learner. In turn this led to a very interesting conversation at my table. We all had different definitions for the term sustainability, and acknowledged that it is both a difficult term to fully understand, and to communicate. If confusion around the topic and how to define it happened sitting at a table full of environmental professionals, then we can assume that similar confusion may exist between our leaders in charge of decision making that haven’t had any formal training in the field. 

Today’s youth, like this young girl who asked about sustainability, in many cases already possess the mentality change that those in the environmental field have been fighting to inspire in their clients, family,  and friends for years. Inspiring them to talk to their parents, teachers, and future employees would therefore be a very effective way to help create a new culture around sustainability.  As Anouk mentioned in her talk, youth are the only members of our society without a vested interest in the current economy. Their outlook on the world is thus uninhibited by preconceived notions and obligation.  Does this mean there could be bottom- up solution for sustainability? I believe it’s possible- if we are willing to listen.