Q&A with a Maritime Environmentalist – Steven Hubbard: Part One

In a Several Part Series we will be covering Steven Hubbard’s perspective on the environment, nature as well as a very special pursuit. Steven lives in Newfoundland, and we are very pleased to have him join us for this Q&A session.

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Q1: What pursuits regarding the environment are you currently embarking on (short, and long term)?

Currently I am working on a sustainable catering business, with a zero tolerance towards any waste (plastic, etc.) as well as excessive amount of food waste. The format will be pop-up events where people come to mingle and eat finger food. It’s a very tall order on so many fronts, starting with a menu that eliminates excessive amounts of food waste. On top of this, it is difficult to get a hold of sustainable supplies from local sources here on this island in the North Atlantic – as most produce is shipped here from god knows where.  

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Q2: That’s very interesting; perhaps we can also use the non-edible (or edible) food-waste as an alternative source of plastic? I’ve seen a Mexican company ‘BioFase’ make utensils out of avocado centers. Keep us updated on your progress with this and how others can get involved!

Moving on, what inspired you to begin your journey as a conscious citizen of our home – Earth?

From my very early twenties I knew that the environment was very fragile and society was damaging it to no (or almost no) return. Overall I am very aware of what is required of us to do, and while I am not completely guilt free in my contribution towards climate change and other environmental issues, I’ve decided to start with myself. I have a made a difference regarding my choices in life and continue to do my best in my life journey with the future of the planet, and to have a good standing with the fight against climate change and other issues related to eco-toxicity (plastic). Hopefully I am also able to make a difference thought inspiring others, and giving people options that are better for all of us.

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Q3: Considering the fact that you’ve been quite the traveler, what can you tell us about Toronto compared –to Australia, Newfoundland?

When I grew up in Sydney Australia, I was very impressed with how cleanly it was kept. I just remember walking the city streets and found absolutely no litter anywhere… but later coming to Newfoundland, I found myself in a completely different story. There is a lot of work that needs to be done here in my current home in Newfoundland. As much as we in Canada, and we have people like David Suzuki who has spent his whole life for the Environment, it’s sad to see such little respect for it where I live.

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It was great talking with you Steve! You are very welcome if you ever choose to come to, or to visit Toronto. It’s nice to see effort in a place that has perhaps become complacent in its ways. In the next posts we will be diving a little deeper into Steven’s catering business, as well as some of Steven’s other perspectives.