Master of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (MNRES) candidate
University of Northern British Columbia

Danielle Smyth is a Master of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (MNRES) candidate at the University of Northern British Columbia.  She holds a B.Sc. (Environmental Science) from the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario and has worked for several years with government and industry on environmental management. 

Her graduate research on institutional solid waste management and campus sustainability is strongly related to climate change mitigation at the local level.  Danielle observes that “Universities and colleges contribute to climate change through resource consumption and waste production but at the same time can, and should, be part of the solution.  Colleges and universities provide a unique opportunity for innovation, experimentation and leadership with sustainability and climate solutions on a small scale.  As a tangible and integrative indicator of campus consumption, solid waste is a vital assessment area for determining the carbon footprint of an institution.  Two waste audits at UNBC have revealed over 70% of the waste stream can be diverted through waste reduction and recycling.  In addition to informing decisions about sustainable waste management, UNBC waste audits have helped to visually communicate the message that we are ‘consuming too much stuff’.  Making the connection between the choices we make as consumers and the impact we have on our environment is an essential step in responding to climate change.  As individuals we must evolve to become more efficient consumers and take steps to encourage and educate others in our community about how we can contribute to local climate solutions.”  In her role as the youth representative on the local Citizens’ Conservation Council on Climate Action, Danielle hopes to educate and empower members of the Cariboo-Prince George regional community to take action on climate change.  The Citizens' Conservation Councils on Climate Action will advise government on the best ways to encourage individuals, groups and communities in their regions to learn more about climate change, to participate in climate action initiatives and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.