WATERLOO REGION — REEP Green Solutions, a local leader in environmental action, has been honoured by the province for its promotion of sustainable practices.
REEP received the Ministry of Environment’s 2011 Award for Environmental Excellence in the category of non-government organizations this week.
The focus of the award this year was toxin reduction and water protection and conservation.
Through the REEP House for Sustainable Living, located at 20 Mill St. in Kitchener, the organization educates homeowners on tangible changes they can make to improve their impact on the environment.
The house’s permeable driveway helps the ground absorb rain water. It has an insulation display which compares the costs and benefits of the many options available. Those are just two examples of what homeowners can learn about water and energy conservation at the house
Mary Jane Patterson, executive director at REEP, was gratified to receive the award.
“It says to us and all the partners we work with locally, the work we’re doing together … has meaning and it goes beyond our own community,” she said.
“We really see ourselves as a catalyst for action, for positive environmental action.”
In addition to the REEP House, which is open every Saturday for visitors, the organization has partnered with the municipalities to create storm water credits and with the area universities for research and volunteer projects.
“We certainly look for ways we can accomplish shared goals,” said Patterson. From lgivetash@therecord.com