Ontario EcoSchools is excited to announce the appointment of incoming Executive Director Lindsay Bunce, effective March 12th.
Lindsay brings over 15 years of experience in environmental, education, and nonprofit sectors, including leadership roles at Earth Day Canada and Toronto and Region Conservation. Over the last 12 years, Lindsay has been on the frontlines of building the EcoSchools program and community, from leading an EcoTeam to certification, to supporting schools as a board representative, to serving on the EcoSchools Program Advisory Committee. As Ontario EcoSchools’ Program Director since 2016, Lindsay has taken the program to new heights with a record number of 1,839 schools certified in 2016-17.
It is with this wealth of experience that Lindsay comes to lead the organization as its new Executive Director. Lindsay is stepping into the role at a pivotal point in EcoSchools’ history. She will be steering the ship as the organization embarks upon a bold strategic plan that sees the strengthening of environmental leadership in schools, the building of strategic partnerships, and the expansion of services to better meet the needs of our diverse participants.
After nearly a decade of service at Ontario EcoSchools, outgoing Executive Director, Elanor Waslander, will be departing in April to pursue new opportunities outside of Toronto. Under her leadership, Ontario EcoSchools tripled in size in annual funding, staff, and network. Elanor will remain involved with Ontario EcoSchools in an advisory role. Ontario EcoSchools wishes her the greatest success in her future endeavours.
Interview with Lindsay
In an interview with Lindsay, she shared the ways in which she hopes to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders:
What excites you most about the new Ontario EcoSchools strategic plan?
Over the next three years, Ontario EcoSchools plans to deepen our connection with local organizations and community leaders, especially those within Indigenous and Francophone communities, to better meet the needs of our diverse participants. Strengthening these relationships will enable us to offer more authentic, integrated, and dynamic support for schools and school boards as we work towards achieving our shared sustainability goals.
What is something students can do to address climate change?
When introducing the EcoSchools program to teachers, we always refer the old adage: start small and build on your success. I feel that the same is true when facing the complexity and magnitude of climate change. Find something that interests you and start there! From growing local food, painting campaign posters, or scoring the next eco-anthem, the momentum that builds from small actions can have deep impacts.
What is your favourite EcoTeam activity?
I LOVE G.O.O.S. bins! Paper use can be a huge issue in schools and G.O.O.S. (Good On One Side) bins are a fun and engaging way to remind everyone to reuse paper before it placing it in the recycle bin. Some schools take their G.O.O.S. bins designs very seriously and they encourage school-wide action with really creative campaigns. One of my favourite ideas is to introduce a G.O.O.S. bin program with some random goose honking over the announcements.
How do you “keep calm and stay green”?
Spending time outdoors is my way to recenter and reconnect. When things get hectic, I try to take time to walk my dog through Étienne Brûlé Park or meander up the Humber River on my paddleboard. Sometimes it’s challenging to break away but even just taking a few minutes to head outside makes a world of difference.
What inspiration have you drawn from certifying EcoSchools?
It is hard to express how heartening it is to learn about the thousands of environmental actions that schools are implementing each year as part of the EcoSchools program. Whether they are brainstorming wild campaign ideas (like the school that based their energy campaign on Jackie Chan movies) or petitioning local government to support better waste practices (grade five students can be quite persuasive), I am always amazed by the thoughtfulness and commitment of our EcoTeams.
What is your next adventure?
Besides diving into this new role (which will be an adventure!), I am heading to Australia to visit family and hike the Larapinta Trail this September. I haven’t spent a lot of time camping in desert environments and I’m super excited to push myself to complete the nine-day trek.
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