Eco-Consciousness Organizations
Grand River Environmental Network (GREN)
GREN is a network of environmental organizations and concerned citizens in the Grand River watershed, which includes the Kitchener-Waterloo region. They collaborate on environmental projects and advocate for the protection of the watershed.
Green Communities Canada is a national network of community-based organizations working towards environmental sustainability and social justice. They support local initiatives, provide resources, and promote sustainable living practices.
The Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN)
Acts as the connecting link between large and small environmental groups, governmental agencies, and individuals across Canada by supporting these environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) with coordination, communication, and networking services.
The Compost Council of Canada functions as a pivotal resource and interconnected community for the organics recycling and compost sector. Through collaboration with its members, the council strives to propel the retrieval and reprocessing of organic residuals, ultimately generating compost to enrich soil health and vigor.
Smart Growth Waterloo Region
Smart Growth Waterloo Region champions the establishment of flourishing communities alongside a sustainable countryside, by facilitating the involvement of numerous citizens in pivotal planning discussions that shape the trajectory of community growth, preservation initiatives, transportation strategies, and the cultivation of a collective vision for the future.
Waterloo Region Community Garden Network
Waterloo Region Community Garden Network (WRCGN) is an organization that serves as a cornerstone in promoting and supporting community gardens. These collaborative gardening initiatives rely on dedicated coordinators who oversee land management, planting, maintenance, and harvesting. WRCGN advocates for supportive municipal policies, facilitates connections between gardens, assists in establishing new gardens, ensures accessibility for all, and promotes socio-cultural inclusivity within gardening communities. https://sites.google.com/view/community-gardens-ca/home
REEP Green Solutions is an organization that helps individuals, organizations, and businesses in Waterloo Region to live sustainably. They offer programs and services related to energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Sustainable Waterloo Region is a non-profit organization that brings together businesses, government, and community organizations to collaborate on sustainability initiatives. They offer programs and resources to help organizations reduce their environmental impact.
ClimateActionWR is a collaboration between local municipalities, organizations, and community members working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a sustainable future. They offer resources, reports, and updates on climate action initiatives in the region.
Divest Waterloo is a grassroots organization focused on divesting from fossil fuels and promoting a just transition to a sustainable and equitable economy. They organize campaigns, events, and educational initiatives.
Climate Kids aim to educate children (aged 8 and older) about the Earth's changing climate by utilizing information from NASA missions. Utilizing a variety of engaging resources such as games, activities, and articles, these resources are designed to simplify complex climate science concepts and make them accessible to young learners.
Operating on a membership basis, OCO is a non-profit organization that stands as the singular trade association advocating for Ontario's organic sector, working across the entire industry, from cultivation to consumption.
Region of Waterloo - Environment and Sustainability
The Region of Waterloo's website provides information and resources on environmental initiatives and sustainability programs in the region. It covers topics such as waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy.
This organization consists of seed savers nationwide, collaboratively safeguarding Canada's seed diversity by cultivating endangered varieties, exchanging seeds, and ensuring their availability for future gardeners.
Waterloo Region Nature is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of natural areas in the region. They offer educational programs, guided hikes, and resources for nature enthusiasts.
The Region of Waterloo is part of the Greenbelt, an area of protected green space and farmland surrounding the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. The Greenbelt website provides information on conservation efforts, trails, and outdoor activities in the region.
Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) supports farmers to build resilient ecological farms and grow a strong knowledge-sharing community.
OFT is an organization with the unique ability to support grassroots, farmer-led and community-driven action on farmland protection.
Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region
The Roundtable is a non-profit dedicated to cultivating an environmentally conscious and sustainable food system in Waterloo Region through research, education, and partnership-building.
University of Waterloo Sustainability Office
The University of Waterloo's Sustainability Office promotes sustainable practices and initiatives on campus. They offer resources, events, and programs related to sustainability, climate action, and environmental education.
Rare Charitable Research Reserve
Rare is a 900+ acre nature reserve located in Waterloo Region that focuses on conservation, research, and environmental education. They offer guided tours, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities.
University of Waterloo School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability
The School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS) excels in uniting individuals with the expertise to address ecological and social challenges at various scales through transdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.
Wilfried Laurier University, Faculty of Science, Environmental Science
This unit of the faculty offers undergrad program that focuses on assessing human-caused environmental challenges, devise solutions, comprehend organism-environment interactions, and explore the impact of physical and chemical processes on natural elements and living systems.
Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming (GCUOF)
GCUOF is a learning and research facility at the University of Guelph focused on improving life by inspiring leaders, generating knowledge and creating innovative solutions for food, agriculture, and communities and the environment.
The Aquaculture Centre, established in 1990 through a collaboration between the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, manages a range of research, extension, and educational initiatives.
University of Guelph Honey Bee Research Centre
Honey bees are instrumental in bolstering agricultural productivity and maintaining ecosystem sustainability through their pollination services for crops and wild plants. The Honey Bees Research Centre is dedicated to assisting these bees in carrying out this crucial mission.
Waterloo Climate Institute University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo offers various degree programs on climate change. The Waterloo Climate Institute builds on this academic framework by providing unique interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Region of Waterloo Waste Management
The Region of Waterloo's Waste Management website provides information on waste reduction, recycling programs, and proper disposal methods. They offer resources, tips, and updates on waste management initiatives.
The Canadian Climate Institute is a leading climate change policy research organization in Canada, focusing on clean economic growth, emissions reduction, and climate resilience. Their independent and diverse expertise informs evidence-based advice for policymakers across the political spectrum. Through rigorous analysis and engagement with stakeholders, they advocate for practical and effective climate policies. Additionally, they provide custom data and timely insights to track Canada's progress in climate policy.
St. Jacobs is a grassroots organization focused on promoting sustainability and community resilience in St. Jacobs and the surrounding area. They organize events, workshops, and projects related to environmental and social sustainability.
Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)
The GRCA manages water and resources for 38 municipalities and around a million residents, serving as a collaborative platform to address watershed-wide environmental issues and opportunities. It's headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, and is one of Canada's oldest water management agencies.
University of Guelph, The Arboretum
Established in 1970, The Arboretum covers 400 acres and features various plant collections, gardens, trails, and wetlands. It serves as a living laboratory, enhancing teaching, research, and outreach at the University, actively conserving Ontario's native woody plants, and hosting workshops and public programs.
Fenigo is an online store that specializes in offering a wide range of eco-friendly and sustainable products, including reusable items, zero waste products, and other environmentally conscious goods.
Grosche is a Canadian company offering sustainable coffee and tea products, with a focus on ethical sourcing. They contribute to clean water projects through their sales.
Evolve Builders Group Incorporated
Evolve Builders Group Incorporated is a company that specializes in sustainable construction and development. They focus on creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings, incorporating innovative technologies and practices to reduce the ecological footprint of construction projects.
GreenThink Inc. is an Ontario-based sustainability consultancy focusing on sustainable building design, energy engineering, and training. They provide services such as energy audits, green building incentives, compliance, and government project collaboration, while also offering training in green building, renewable energy, leadership, and community involvement.
SmartCharge Rewards is a program offering benefits to electric vehicle owners for optimizing their charging habits, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
KW Urban Harvester aims to revolutionize urban landscapes across the Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario region by cultivating sustainable edibles, preserving the harvest, and safeguarding seeds. Our mission is to distribute the abundance, ensuring no one is left in need.