Hi! I’m Tiger McDonald and I love exploring nature, sports, meeting new people, and spending time with friends. My dad was raised in Sudbury, Ontario which is surrounded by nature and wanted the same for me. I grew up in a rural area in Pickering surrounded by forests and a lake. Hockey has been a major part of my life since I started skating at 4 years old. I took 3 years off school to chase my passion playing Junior hockey in various cities across Canada where I met people from all walks of life and gained valuable life experiences.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

Personally, I would define sustainability as an umbrella term used to encompass processes and alternative actions geared toward preserving natural resources and generating minimal waste as a byproduct with the theoretical goal of having a process be independently regenerative. Sustainability has a direct impact on reducing global warming with carbon emissions and the future of humanity regarding depletion of natural resources. Companies need to prioritize sustainable operations by focusing of the complete life cycle of their products or operations from beginning to end extending beyond consumer use such as where the product will end up.

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

Sustainability will undeniably play a significant role in my professional career and should continue to be adopted among all companies as we move toward a better future for our children. Currently, I am tailoring my internship search toward companies that have a strong emphasis on sustainable practice. I feel as though this alignment in values to preserve the earth will enable a more conductive working environment where we can create a larger impact when the world needs it most, setting an example for others. If the company does not practice sustainability, I intend to take the initiative to help transition the company by highlighting the tangible benefits and best ways to implement these practices. I have a drive to inspire others to adopt sustainable practices because I feel there is a general lack of awareness of the results of our choices on the planet. This drive stems from my connection to nature and how I wish for my children to explore and experience planet earth in all its glory. I fear that companies will continue to prioritize profits over all else and lead to the destruction of nature as our population expands and resources are further depleted.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

After volunteering at Lakeridge-Health Hospital in Oshawa for 4 years I helped the implementation of the digital check-in system in the ER to reduce waste from the paper forums. I contribute consistently in smaller ways daily in which I preach to others will add up to make a large impact if we can all make these changes together. When I see litter on the ground, I pick it up and place it in the proper disposal bin and encourage others not to turn a blind eye. I always use a reusable water bottle and bring my own bags to the grocery store to eliminate the need to purchase plastic disposable bags. I keep up with current innovations to understand the best ways to implement new sustainable practices in my own life such as electric vehicles or carpooling. I am looking to make a stronger impact on fostering a sustainable earth and am excited about the opportunity to learn the best ways to do so leveraging a strong foundation built with the Sustainability Certificate.