PRINCE GEORGE RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION & PLANNING SOCIETY (R.E.A.P.S.)

The Prince George Recycling & Environmental Action & Planning Society (R.E.A.P.S.) is a Canadian charitable non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and waste reduction within the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, British Columbia. Established over 30 years ago, R.E.A.P.S. focuses on fostering sustainable community practices through education, awareness, and action related to waste avoidance and environmental conservation[1][2].

Mission and Goals

R.E.A.P.S. operates with the mission of achieving "A Waste Free Northern BC," emphasizing the importance of the "seven Rs": reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, refuse, repair, and regift. The organization encourages residents to adopt sustainable lifestyles by providing resources and knowledge tailored to local environmental needs[3].

Programs and Services

The society offers a variety of educational programs and community initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and practical understanding of sustainability concepts:

• School Programs: Free, grade-appropriate curriculum programs designed to teach students about waste reduction, sustainability, and environmental impact. These programs include experiential learning opportunities both in classrooms and community settings[1][5].

• Workshops and Events: Year-round workshops cover topics such as composting, zero-waste living, DIY household cleaners, and natural pest control. The Compost Demonstration Garden is a notable feature in spring and summer, where community members can learn about diverse composting techniques and organic gardening[1].

• Community Outreach: R.E.A.P.S. engages volunteers and partners to collectively reduce environmental footprints across the region, fostering community-wide environmental responsibility[1].

• Food Literacy Education: The organization provides education related to food systems, growing food, cooking, food waste, and composting to schools within the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George[5].

Organizational Structure and Status

R.E.A.P.S. is a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with the business registration number 889901195RR0001. It complies with CRA requirements and operates as a non-profit society dedicated to environmental action planning and recycling[3].

Impact and Community Role

Over its more than three decades of operation, R.E.A.P.S. has played a vital role in raising community awareness on sustainable living and environmental conservation. It has become a key player in guiding the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George toward eco-friendly practices and waste reduction strategies, contributing to regional environmental health and education[1][2].

This article summarizes the core activities and mission of the Prince George Recycling & Environmental Action & Planning Society (R.E.A.P.S.) based on publicly available information.