SNACKING with WHITNEY
WHITNEY MCWADE
Senior Advisor, Sustainability Strategy, Disclosure & Impact Measurement at BMO
“In my everyday life, sustainability is about being conscious of the environmental and social impact of my lifestyle and the purchasing decisions I make.”
Describe sustainability in one sentence?
Sustainability is the sweet spot between doing what’s right for the environment, doing what’s right for others and doing what’s right for me (whether as an individual or as a company).
What are three things we can do to help reduce our daily environmental footprint?
There are lots we can do and every little change has an impact and it’s not that hard!
1) Recycle and use the organics bin.
2) Leave the car at home whenever you can - walk, bike or use transit.
3) Adjust your clothes instead of the temperature in your home.
What does sustainability mean to you?
In my everyday life, sustainability is about being conscious of the environmental and social impact of my lifestyle and the purchasing decisions I make.
If you could change one habit to be more eco-conscious what would it be?
In January I made a commitment to reduce single-use plastics from my life. There isn’t really a market for our recycled plastic anymore so even if we put plastics in the recycling bin it’s unlikely they’re getting recycled.
Instead, they’re ending up littering our oceans and our environment, ending up in everything including our food and water. I replaced sandwich bags with reusable silicone bags, plastic wrap with beeswax wrap, plastic produce/grocery bags with reusable ones, bottled sparkling water with Sodastream, the list goes on. Once you start paying attention plastic is everywhere! It’s hard to eliminate it entirely but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it where we can. It’s a bit of an investment up front but it’ll also save you money in the long run.
What are the go-to snacks you like to eat?
If I’m being healthy it’s homemade peanut butter (there goes the plastic peanut butter container!), protein bars or yogurt. But I definitely have a sweet tooth and will easily crush chocolate almonds, ju-jubes, Hershey Kisses.
Do you brush your teeth when you wake up or after eating breakfast?
First thing I do when I wake up!
Do you wet your toothbrush before or after you apply toothpaste?
After.
What's your spirit animal? Maybe a beaver?
I am a hard worker and detail-oriented. I enjoy spending time and effort on the things that are important to me - my relationships, my jobs, my home (my dam?) and my health and fitness.
Who would you choose to play you in a movie about your life?
Jennifer Lawrence. We look nothing alike but I think she’s hilarious.
Favourite Restaurant in Toronto? Right now probably
Fet Zun...it’s the closest to where I live and delicious!
What does equality mean to you?
Acknowledging and embracing our differences, which all starts with self-awareness.
When It’s all said and done, the title to your autobiography is called_____?
She Was Right All Along
It’s 2020, what does this decade look like to you?
So far a bit of a shit show! Hopefully things turn a corner.
Who made the best ‘Sunday Morning’ song A) k-os B) No Doubt or C) Maroon 5?
Sunday mornings are the only morning I don’t have to be up and out of the house (pre COVID) so I like to keep it chill, so I’ll pick Maroon 5’s.
What’s the last item you purchased with cash?
I literally can’t remember. Maybe a pack of gum.
What does retirement look like to you?
Sitting on the dock with a drink and a dog.
According to you, who is the best-dressed person in business?
I don’t know but I wish we could all just wear jeans all the time.
What skill are you determined to master?
Right now I’m re-learning Spanish.
What three films best describe your life?
I’m just going to pick one and it’s Bridesmaids...my girlfriends are hilarious
The most influential brand right now is?
Do you believe there is a way to turn your passions in to work, and if so, how?
I believe if you follow a path that interests you and makes you happy, you will become passionate about it.
Where is your happy place?
My parent’s cottage, followed very closely by my bed.
What three words would you use to describe your past three months of your life?
Happy. Weird. Slow-paced.
Name something you couldn’t go a day without. Why?
A good night’s sleep
Dogs or Cats?
Dogs, 100%.
What things in life are still a mystery to you?
How anybody in Toronto can buy a house.