It’s a Fact

REAL opened the REAL Deal Store to reduce the environmental impact of Smiths Falls and neighbouring municipalities through waste diversion.

A major accomplishment of REAL was achieved in 2008 with the opening of the REAL Deal Store and Environment Centre to serve Smiths Falls and neighbouring communities. In essence, the store diverts usable household goods and renovation materials from the waste stream, provides work experience and volunteer opportunities to local residents, and earns revenue to support REAL environmental programs and initiatives.

In the first seven months of operation, the REAL Deal Store

REAL has also been successful in developing programs to address local environmental issues. After hosting REAL Green Home Visits, which allowed the public to tour environmentally responsible homes, the organization recognized a need for education on groundwater and the use of wells in the community.

REAL created the Well Aware Program to educate residents to the importance of well stewardship, water conservation, and the contamination of ground and surface water. Also created as a result of the Green Home Visits was the EnerGuide for local home owners. The program was piloted by REAL and went on to become the ecoENERGY audit, designed to help residents save money, energy, the environment and make their homes more comfortable.

REAL has increased environmental awareness, provided employment and volunteer opportunities, attracted investment in environmental projects in neighbouring communities and helped residents reduce their waste, energy and water costs. They truly are ‘REAL People Taking REAL Action to Protect our Environment.”