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. Takeaways How 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 Shift Go for a bike ride and notice what’s blooming around you. Books ECW Press New Society Publishers Facing the Climate Emergency – Margaret Klein Salamon Earth and Soul – Leah Rampy Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer The Serviceberry – Robin Wall Kimmerer Organizations Climate Awakening Indigenous Climate Action Ecojustice Environmental Defence Ontario Nature Mutual Aid & Local Resources Community Fridges Toronto Karma Co-op Cycle Toronto Find Your MPP (Ontario) Connect with Jen Five Minutes for the Planet (Jen’s Substack) Instagram Climate Emotions Retreat Support the show Connect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If 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.