From raising awareness about the declining population of monarch butterflies to conserving and enhancing the local watershed, environmental innovation is alive in Peterborough.
These are but two examples of local environmental innovations that were recognized and supported last year by the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF).
With a goal to keep building momentum towards a “green revolution,” the initiative’s partners — the Rotary Club of Peterborough, the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, and Cleantech Commons at Trent University — have announced 2024 funding applications for REIF are officially open, offering financial support for the region’s environmental innovators.
REIF encourages people to get involved in local environmental endeavours and projects. In its inaugural year, three environmental innovators (Carlotta James of Monarch Ultra, Craig Onafrychuk of Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance, and environmentalist Dylan Radcliffe) each received a $3,000 award, with Christa Plumley of Ava & Ziva and Zachary McCue of REPWR each receiving a $300 award.
According to a news release, the second year of REIF “is poised to make an even more profound impact in 2024,” with another five local environmental innovators receiving funding of up to $3,000 to bring their vision to life.
“REIF surpassed our expectations in its first year, and we are thrilled to build on that success in 2024,” REIF committee chair Graham Wilkins said in the release. “The overwhelming support from the community and the interest it has generated across Ontario truly underscores the commitment to environmental innovation.”
People actively working on environmental innovations are encouraged to submit their applications for funding on the REIF website at rotaryenvironmentalchampions.ca/innovators-application/. The deadline for applications is March 6, 2024.
The possibilities for projects are expansive, REIF committee member Catherine Legault told kawarthaNOW.
“REIF’s scope encompasses diverse endeavours, welcoming individuals, start-ups, and small companies engaged in projects that address many environmental concerns,” Legault said.
“The fund’s target zone is expansive, covering areas such as biodiversity, water and wastewater technologies, sustainable food systems, climate change mitigation, pollution control, food sustainability, waste and textile management, power generation, transportation, agriculture, and cleantech innovations, among others.”
“Ultimately, REIF stands committed to supporting unique entrepreneurial ventures with the potential to impact the Peterborough-Kawartha region positively. The fund seeks to empower and enable projects that contribute to the broader environmental sustainability goals by fostering a dynamic and inclusive approach,” Legault said.
One of the distinctive features of REIF is its commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders, according to the release. This year, REIF will provide $225 in funding to the environmental section winners of the Peterborough Junior Science Fair.
Martin Yuill, Cleantech Commons executive director, emphasized the opportunities REIF unlocks for local entrepreneurs.
“Our partnership with REIF is all about forging pathways for skilled youth, talented graduates, and the innovators and entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow to start and grow their own ventures, creating employment opportunities, nurturing positive societal impact, and contributing to the burgeoning environmental sector in the Peterborough region,” Yuill said in the release.
The 2024 awards event is slated for April 19, 2024, at Camp Kawartha in Douro-Dummer.
Individuals and corporations can support REIF by making a financial contribution through the REIF website. Support is recognized in three tiers: $100 (individual champion), $200 (corporate champion), and $500 or more (visionary champion).
For more information about REIF, or to submit an application or donate, visit rotaryenvironmentalchampions.ca.
