5: How to Navigate Climate Emotions and Build Community Around You with Jen Knoch

How do we hold the grief, rage, and love that come with caring deeply about the climate crisis and still keep going? In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend Jen Knoch, a Toronto-based sustainability advocate and the creator of the Climate Emotions Retreat, to explore what it looks like to feel these emotions fully, stay rooted in care, and take meaningful action alongside others.Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, inspired, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to hold it all alone — and that small acts of tending and care really do matter.TakeawaysHow naming and sharing climate emotions like grief, anger, and fear can help us stay connected and engaged.The community care practices that sustain Jen’s work — from food rescue to plant swaps.The impact of Ontario’s Bill 5 and what it reveals about climate grief and resistance.How rescued plants, slow walks, and seed libraries remind us that small acts of care can build connections and sustain a movement.One Small ShiftGo for a bike ride and notice what’s blooming around you.BooksECW PressNew Society PublishersFacing the Climate Emergency – Margaret Klein SalamonEarth and Soul – Leah RampyBraiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall KimmererThe Serviceberry – Robin Wall Kimmerer OrganizationsClimate AwakeningIndigenous Climate ActionEcojusticeEnvironmental DefenceOntario NatureMutual Aid & Local ResourcesCommunity Fridges TorontoKarma Co-opCycle TorontoFind Your MPP (Ontario) Connect with JenFive Minutes for the Planet (Jen’s Substack)InstagramClimate Emotions RetreatSupport the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.