The Rotary Environmentalist Innovators Fund (REIF) announced the first recipients of the 2023 Rotary Environmental Innovators Award at the event, hosted by Camp Kawartha.
"The response to our call for environmental champions has been phenomenal," said Rotarian Graham Wilkins, who is leading the REIF initiative. "The high-calibre applications we received are a testament to the environmental leadership and collaboration within our community. We look forward to bolstering our support for initiatives to address society's most pressing environmental challenges in new innovative waves.”
Three environmental innovators were awarded $3,000 each towards initiatives addressing environmental issues affecting the Peterborough region.
Carlotta James, Monarch Ultra: The Monarch Ultra raises awareness about the decline of monarch populations through its long-distance running events, social media channels, the media and partnerships with schools, non-profits and municipalities. This vear, they are planning Peterborough's first-ever Monarch Butterfly Festival and Race to bolster monarch butterfly conservation efforts. The organization is also planning festivals and races in the USA and Mexico.
Craig Onafrychuk, Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance (BCWA): A collaborative community initiative, the BCWA is dedicated to conserving and enhancing the local watershed. The Alliance is working with community stakeholders and government to monitor ecological systems in the Baxter Creek watershed, educate the broader community and implement innovative conservation initiatives to protect the natural heritage through landowner stewardship plans and conservation agreements.
Dylan Radcliffe, creator of a drone for large-scale environmental restoration projects: Dvlan has created a drone that broadcasts high-value tree and tallgrass seed with precision over large areas to help restore essential ecosystems. The drone operates autonomously with limited operator intervention and can be constructed with tools commonly available in school or library makerspaces. The intention is to release the project as an open-source design - a relatively new concept in the environmental sector.
"Helping start-ups and entrepreneurs bring their innovative green technologies to the market is at the heart of Cleantech Commons," said Martin Yuill, Cleantech Commons Executive Director. "Initiatives such as REIF are the launchpad for many high-impact advances that will move society forward while protecting the environment.”
Given the applicants' exceptional ingenuity and commitment to environmental conservation, two additional finalists received $300 each for their initiatives:
Zachary McCue, REPWR: REPWR designs and builds renewable energy systems for the intermodal shipping network, which provide clean power for the shipping industry and lower greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
Christa Plumley, Ava&Ziva: As a sustainable clothing brand, Ava&Ziva strives to reduce the environmental impact of the clothing industry by using deadstock fabric for its high-quality, small-batch garments.
The REIF partners have exciting plans for the coming months, including ramping up their fundraising efforts, networking, mentorship opportunities for applicants and introducing a youth award.
