Don Woodstock: The Man Who Made Manitoba Ditch the Plastic Bag

We sit down with Don Woodstock, author of "Unrelenting" and the grassroots activist who transformed recycling in Winnipeg. Don's journey from a farm in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica to becoming the driving force behind Manitoba's shift from 33% to 99% recycling participation is a masterclass in persistent community organizing and environmental justice.Don shares how his grandfather's simple question - "Is it bigger than you, son?" - became the foundation for taking on seemingly impossible challenges. When he arrived in Winnipeg and saw the potential for environmental change, he didn't wait for permission or funding. He made a documentary, knocked on doors, and refused to take no for an answer until people finally listened.We're talking:How growing up on a Jamaican farm taught sustainability lessons that urban Canada desperately neededWhy Winnipeg reminds him of Jamaica (minus the weather) and what that means for community organizingThe story behind getting major grocery chains to adopt reusable bags across CanadaWhat it takes to keep going when people literally spit on the ground and dismiss your ideasHow to plant seeds that will bear fruit long after you're gone - even if you never see the harvestThe human right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for future generationsDon's approach to grassroots change offers a blueprint for anyone wondering how to make a difference: start local, don't expect instant gratification, and remember that real change happens like farming - you plant seeds, water them consistently, and trust the process even when you can't see immediate results.Whether you're passionate about environmental issues or simply wondering how one person can create systemic change, Don's story proves that unrelenting commitment to what you believe in can literally transform a city's relationship with the planet.Read "UNRELENTING: The Man Who Turned a Local Recycling Push, Into a National Plastic Ban"Don't miss the innovative audio version featuring Caribbean and African music inspired by the themes of environmental justice and community action!