Season 3, Episode 25 Sophia

May 19, 2026 · 21 min · Ep 25

Host John Whidden introduces a QuickFix from Janice in Calgary encouraging “no mow May” to protect invertebrates, then interviews Sophia, a third-year environmental engineering student focused on drinking water and microplastics. Sophia recommends boiling or filtering water and explains concerns about bottled water, including plastic-related endocrine disruptors and potential bacterial biofilms. She describes her microplastics research on how particle shape affects settling and treatment, noting flat plastics may slip through systems. Sophia also shares her youth transit advocacy, inspired by childhood mobility barriers, which helped make transit free for youth under 13 in Regina and expanded nationally. She discusses involving youth through leadership opportunities and funding strategies, reflects on awards and positivity in climate work, shares her own low-car lifestyle, and outlines steps for better, safer, more frequent transit systems.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:27 QuickFix No Mow May

01:25 Meet Sophia

02:03 Drinking Water Tips

03:49 Microplastics Explained

05:55 Reducing Plastic Pollution

07:27 Youth Transit Advocacy

10:41 Scaling Youth Climate Action

13:17 Awards and TEDx Impact

14:47 Staying Hopeful

15:46 Car Free Climate Action

16:10 Building Better Transit