Have you got a great idea for an environmental project, but need a little cash to make it a reality?

In honour of it's 25th year, REAL is offering up to 10 $250 REAL Action Grants to community groups in LLG to make a REAL difference in their neighbourhood.

Applications accepted until September 19, 2014, with winners announced October 18, 2014. Work to be completed by June 2015. Read guidelines and see application instructions.

REAL Deal Summer Sale
July 24 - August 2

50% off
Yard and Garden, Camping and Sports Equipment

Including: All potting containers, fertilzer spreaders, hoses, garden figurines, outdoor lighting, outdoor furniture (not to be confused with furniture that is outside such as stacked chairs), sleeping bags, tents, biciycles and parts, pack sacks, golf clubs, balls, bats, baseball gloves, cleats, etc.

Volunteers Needed!

We could use your help at the REAL Deal Store or for other REAL activities.

Please get in touch with our new volunteer Volunteer Coordinator, Leann Merriman at 205-0818 to find out more. Leann will be at the REAL Deal Saturday July 19 and August 2 from 11:00 to 1:00 to tell you about some of the possibilities.

Save a step and complete our volunteer application form so we can suggest a position that's right for you.

Friends of the Tay Watershed's annual
Watershed Discovery Day
Saturday, August 16 from 8:00 to 1:00 pm.
Farmers Market, in Perth's Crystal Palace

Learn about activities and issues across the watershed., For the kids - hands-on activities and songs, while learning about our water and watershed, and the critters in it.   And don't forget to browse the great produce, plants, food and crafts available at the Farmers Market. See FoTW site.

Home Energy Audit Services

REAL offers energy audit services that will give you a better understanding of your home. A blower door test or thermography reading will help you determine energy-saving solutions that will genuinely benefit you.

For more details contact REAL (613) 283-9500 or Sue.

Read some other solutions to high home heating bills.

Board Member Needed. We are looking for an energetic, experienced person to join our Board of Directors. If you are connected to the community, familiar with current and emerging environmental issues, and motivated to do something about them, join a group of like-minded people to make a REAL Difference. Meet the Board.

See a job description and send us a letter describing your interest to info@REALaction.ca.

Save Us Your Empties

REAL's annual bottle drive is happening Friday, August 8th and Saturday August 9th at The Beer Store, Smiths Falls. Volunteers will be on hand to accept any empties you would like to donate to your local environmental organization.

Electronics Recycling at the REAL Deal

REAL Deal is now an official Ontario Electronics Stewardship (OES) collection site for electronics waste.

Only certain items are accepted so please consult the list carefully. No "white goods", appliances containing freon, or miscellaneous electric appliances will be taken. What is accepted.

Materials accepted during store hours only. Find out more.

REAL Deal Reuse Store
Open Thurs, Fri and Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Next Make a Deal Day is Friday, July 25th and the next Silent Action Close is Saturday, July 26th at 1:30 p.m.

We truly appreciate donations of gently used items, but please do not leave your donations when we are closed. Check out the REAL Deal Store Facebook page.

Have E-Waste, Can't Get to the REAL Deal?

Electronics are accepted for recycling at several authorized Ontario depots. Search by postal code at recycleyourelectronics.ca. Various neighbouring municipalities also provide collection services, e.g. Tay, Rideau Lakes and Drummond North Elmsley, and may require proof of residency.

YAK in Perth also accepts e-waste.

The Ontario Power Authority has a free new program to help people reduce their energy use and bills.

Once you apply and are eligible, an auditor will visit your house and install energy saving devices, fee of charge.

REAL is helping to promote the program. Tell them REAL sent you and REAL will receive a small promotion fee.

Find more details and determine eligibility.

Rideau Mississippi Take It Back 

Keeping it out of landfill. Find businesses and organizations in the Rideau Mississippi region that Take Back used materials for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. Art, batteries, electronics, eyeglasses, medical equipment, musical instruments, pet medications, toiletries, toys and more.

Supported by the municipalities of North Grenville, Mississippi Mills, Perth, and Smiths Falls. Let us know about other businesses that should be on the list.

Available for borrowing through Perth, Almonte, Smiths Falls or South Elmsley Public Libraries or at the REAL Deal.

Wondering what you can do about your high electricity bill? The Kill a Watt meter is a handy device to monitor the energy consumption of some of your electrical appliances. Call 613-283-9500.