About

Sustainable Realities is about what people can do and are doing to change the world for the better.  Our intent is not to diminish the urgency or importance of the issues we face today, but rather to draw attention to what is actually possible.

The idea for Sustainable Realities came from two sources of inspiration.  The first, a book by David Suzuki and Holly Dressel called Good News for a Change, showcased people, organizations, and communities around the world actually effecting change.  Instead of focusing on the negative issues themselves, the authors focus on the positive actions of many.

The second was a moment of realization after a speaking event in Toronto.  We don’t do a good enough job of sharing, whether that’s sharing information, sharing ideas, or sharing success.  Many positive strategies that are commonplace to some are actually widely unknown to a larger audience.  We need to do a better job of promoting what’s actually available, and how people can get involved.

Through the sharing of what people are doing right now, what people are writing about, or how technology has evolved, our hope is to inform and inspire you to take the next step.  And not to take that next step in five or ten years, but to take it today.  Our hope is to show that a Sustainable Reality is possible starting now.

Photographs

A note about the photographs you see on this website.  All photographs were taken by the authors themselves or provided by our interviewees.  We feel that this keeps with our intent to showcase what’s current and available.

About the Authors

Jonathan Waltr

Jonathan Waltr is a Project Manager with EllisDon Corporation, one of the largest construction firms in Canada, where he works with sustainable buildings and their associated rating systems and standards.

Having graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in 2005, Jonathan has focused his career on buildings and their associated infrastructure, first as a volunteer with a community non-profit organization, then as a consultant with some of the industry’s most reputable companies.

In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys golfing, skiing, travelling, photography, hiking, and several other hobbies.

 

 

Jason Gray

Jason Gray is also a Project Coordinator at EllisDon Corporation where he helps manage the intelligent systems that play a large part in making buildings smart and energy efficient.A graduate of Ryerson University, Civil Engineering in 2014, Jason quickly moved into the sustainability building industry. Both volunteering with green construction non-profits, and through his work, he has been able to take part in some of the most innovative sustainability construction projects in the country.

Jason is an avid camper and traveller, though you’re more likely to find him holed up in  a Toronto venue enjoying some city-living music these days.