April Updates from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism
WELCOMING ERICH AND RHONDA TO THE GREENSTEP TEAM
Erich Schwartz: Sustainability & Climate Solutions Sales Manager
Erich brings 20+ years of experience in sales & business development, project and program management, and leadership in the sustainability industry with a focus on Strategy Consulting, GHG Management, Zero Waste, and the Circular Economy. Erich is client-focused with a passion for delivering exceptional results that improve the social and environmental footprints of small to medium-sized businesses. Stemming from his love of the natural world, people, and a passion for learning, Erich has become a subject matter expert in the field of sustainability. Erich graduated as a science teacher, where he first started teaching about climate change. He went on to get a Masters Degree that led to a career in Management Consulting that focuses on strategies that reduce GHG emissions, waste, and pollution, while at the same time improving profitability, customer satisfaction, and community engagement. Erich is based in Madeira Park, BC.
Rhonda Couch: Sustainability Assessor & Certification Manager
Rhonda recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business Management after running her own restaurant and catering business for a number of years. She has also been a researcher, assessor, and data analyst for over 20 years in the areas of education, public and mental health. Rhonda has also worked in various communities across Ontario, training social workers and psychologists on how to assess children with behavioral problems. Her passion for sustainability combined with her background in business ownership and management will allow her to support and guide tourism businesses as they get started on their sustainability journey. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from SFU and a Master of Science Degree from the University of Waterloo, as well as diplomas in Cooking and Catering and Travel and Tourism. Rhonda is based in North Kawartha, Ontario.
CELEBRATING EARTH MONTH: TRANSFORMING GRATITUDE INTO ACTION
In celebration of Earth Month, we want to take a moment of gratitude. Gratitude for the diversity and beauty of ecosystems that nourish us, and gratitude for the people who work tirelessly to protect our planet for future generations to come, through their passion, ingenuity, and dedication.
It has been exactly one year since GreenStep launched the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge together with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, where we encouraged the global tourism industry to measure and make a commitment to improving their sustainability performance. If you are ready to transform your gratitude for the earth into action, this is a place to start.
Take the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge
GREENSTEP SPONSORS THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & TOURISM WEBINAR
In case you missed it – GreenStep CEO and Founder Angela Nagy presented alongside industry experts at the “Embracing Responsible Tourism” webinar on April 7th. We were thrilled to team up with Baxter Media and Trees4Travel to sponsor and host this informative session, featuring speakers from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Hawai’i Tourism Authority, Trees4Travel, and Globus family of brand to help equip travel advisors with the tools to respond to growing interest in responsible travel.
Read the discussion summary and access the recording on Travelpress.
FEATURE ON RAZZAQ MOHAMMED: GREENSTEP BUSINESS ENERGY ADVISOR
We are incredibly proud to share this feature of GreenStep Business Energy Advisor Razzaq Mohammed, who has recently been spotlighted by Efficiency Canada’s Our Human Energy movement, as a result of his ongoing efforts to improve efficiency across the Canadian energy sector.
CWSAA RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE (2022)
GreenStep was thrilled to be a sponsor of the the Canada West Ski Areas Association Spring Meeting, that took place from April 26th to 28th in Lake Louise, AB. GreenStep CEO Angela Nagy, Mount Sima Alpine Adventure Park General Manager Sam Oettli, and Whistler Blackcomb Senior Manager, Sustainability Allana Williams presented the 2022 CWSAA Responsible Stewardship session.
Key discussion points included findings of ski industry focus groups, and the introduction of a best practices tool kit being prepared by the industry committee and GreenStep Solutions.
UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
CONFERENCES
Interested in learning more about how GreenStep Sustainable Tourism can help your tourism business or destination? Feel free to reach out at any time to chat, or schedule a free consult today: 1-800-469-7830 or [email protected].