Most of us look forward to the holiday season, but it seems to lead to an increase in consumption all round, leading to more waste, in particular. It doesn’t have to cost a lot or take a lot of...

Over 20 volunteers came out for a Rideau River Shoreline Cleanup on October 2nd,   organized  by Jake Wilson on behalf of REAL.  While the weather was a little wetter than people would have liked, over 370 pounds of garbage...

REAL is delighted that this year’s online auction was a financial success!  By the time bidding closed at 9 p.m. on Sat. Nov. 13 the high bids totaled $2007, which was very close to our goal of $2021.  Over...

The REAL Deal Reuse Store  requires a cashier with the flexibility to work 10-15 hours a week over the days  Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.  The cashier will be accepting purchase payments from customers and will...

Before the end of the year REAL expects to have a Registered Energy Advisor ready to do home energy assessments in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.  Through the federal Greener Homes program launched May 27, homeowners can receive incentive grants...

Our Fall 2021 REAL Update has been posted.  A big weekend is ahead with a Rideau River Shoreline Cleanup led by Jake Wilson and the launch of our new Tool Library.  Are you interested in a home energy assessment? ...

Just a reminder that masks are still required at the REAL Deal, both inside the store and in the dome, by customers, staff and volunteers.  We have recently had some people challenging this rule. While we love to have...

COVID and other complications continue to alter our carefully laid plans!   The Rideau Roundtable’s Paddlefest, Sat. Sept. 18 has been cancelled.   Plans will continue over the winter for a June 2022 event. The Shoreline Restoration for Sat. Sept....

REAL is Hiring REAL is looking to hire a permanent Yard Sales Associate for at least two days a week.  Our immediate need is for someone for Wednesdays and Thursdays    The person would work 2 – 4 days...

The second phase of REAL’s Downtown Smiths Falls Depave project was completed Saturday July 3. Two 25 square meter pollinator gardens were planted within the space created when a block of Daniel Street between Beckwith and Emsley Streets was...

We are pleased that Malcolm Morris, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Smiths Falls was able to speak to us at our Annual General Meeting July 14.  His presentation was: The Evolution of the Blue Box Program in...

Gypsy moths seem to be everywhere! You may want to try some less toxic methods of controlling them before resorting to spraying. Here are  two resources to get you started.       How to Control a Gypsy Moth...

Hooray, the store is reopening Friday, June 11!   We thought we would have to wait until Wed. Jun 16, but Ontario has proclaimed that Phase 1 can start earlier. Note that for the next few weeks we will need...

REAL is exploring the possibility of a small Tool Rental Library within our REAL Deal Reuse Store.  This service  will encourage the reuse of existing tools, make tool use affordable for those with limited income, and reduce the homeowners...