Credited with bringing a modern and youthful approach to classical vocal music, Toronto's Measha Brueggergosman is becoming a household name, though it is a mouthful (it’s an invented combo of her maiden name Gosman and her husband/personal manager’s surname, Markus Bruegger). As a Canadian Goodwill Ambassador for the African Medical and Research Foundation, World Wildlife Fund and Learning Through the Arts, Brueggergosman is also making a name for herself as an activist.

When did you first develop a passion for singing?

I grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where my father worked at the CBC. I was exposed to lots of different types of classical music in home and at church. My sister started piano lessons and I wanted piano lessons too but my music teacher at school suggested vocal lessons for me, and so I started learning to sing. It’s all because of my elementary school music teacher! That is why I now work with Learning Through the Arts, a charity run by the Royal Conservatory of Music that brings arts and music back into the classroom. It is so important.

How was your role with Opera Atelier in Mozart’s Idomeneo different from past performances?

For one thing, it was in Toronto, so I could sleep in my own bed. From a performance perspective, I have always considered myself and promoted myself as more of a recitalist, which allows me to get in and out of a city or concert on my own in a day or two. With Opera Atelier it was six performances and I was part of a collaboration. I sang in trios and quartets, which I seldom have the opportunity to do, and it was wonderful.

How did you first get involved with environmentalism?

I first got involved with the World Wildlife Fund because I like the work they do. I wanted to understand environmental issues more deeply, as a representative of the WWF, as a person and even as someone in the media. One of the first things they suggested I do is conduct an environmental audit of my house.

What role do artists and performers have to play in helping the cause?

Performers stand up and speak out for a number of causes, but the environment affects everyone, regardless of politics. I wouldn’t go so far to say that celebrities have a responsibility to use their profile, but I think they have an opportunity.

What changes did you make to your home?

We renovated to take out a lot of interior walls, which is more aesthetically pleasing, but also more energy efficient. We replaced the old windows, recaulked any gaps where we were losing heat, installed a high efficiency furnace, installed low-flow toilets, bought Energy Star appliances, installed a skylight and switched light bulbs. Air quality is important to my voice and career — I don’t use an air conditioner, partly for that reason. We also recycled a huge tree that fell over in our front yard into stools for our back yard and a table base for our dining room! These are all small things but I believe they can add up to big savings for the environment, and eventually, our wallet.

Why did you switch your home to Bullfrog Power?

The changes to the house were all great, but then WWF told us about Bullfrog Power. Even though we have a gas furnace that powers radiator heaters, we are getting our electric power from Bullfrog’s mix of environmentally friendly sources.

What about food? You recently lost more than 100 pounds. Have your eating habits been affected by your interest in the environment?

Absolutely. Jamie Kennedy, a Toronto chef, taught me a lot about buying locally and seasonally. We’re hard wired to crave root vegetables in the winter and fall, yet with all that is available now we are suddenly eating tropical fruits all year long. But the cost of transporting food from halfway around the world is devastating to the environment and our farmers. So I’m using the farmer’s markets more often and trying to be aware of the distance my food has travelled.

Do all of the little things we do really make a difference?

I choose to be proud of the little things that I have done instead of stressed out about what I can’t do. We should have been more worried about climate change 20 years ago, but I don’t think it’s too late. It’s not hopeless. Look at recycling — 20 years ago we started that and it has made a difference. So I believe these small steps are important.